Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple or Sri Tiruvelukkai Sri Azhagiya SingaPerumal Temple or Thiru Velukkai Temple is an ancient temple situated in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu State. Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam / Divyaksetra Temple of Sri Maha Vishnu. The temple Rajagopuram has a four-tiered tower). The presiding deity is Sri Azhagiyasingar / Sri Narasimha Swami also called Mukunda Nayakar, the Lion head God, who is seated here in a calm Yogic pose. Velukkai Valli is the consort here. The temple also has shrines of Maha Lakshmi, Garuda, Sudarshana and Goddess Andal.
“Vel” means wish and “Irukkai” means seat. Since the Lord Himself wished to stay there to help his bhaktas, this place is known as “Vellukkai”, “Thiru Vellukkai”.
The Vimana above the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Narasimha is called Kanaka Vimanam. Sage Brugu had worshipped Perumal in this temple. Sri Sudarsana Chakkarathazhwar the deity of Lord Vishnu’s discusses graces from a shrine in the outer corridor-prakara. Garuda appears with his head slightly on a side as if unable to bear the fury of the Lord. This is a strange and different style of Garuda in this temple.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas in the late 8th century AD, with contributions from Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. The inscriptions in the temple date back to the reign of Kulothunga Chola and Rajadhiraja Chola.
The Temple is built in a Dravidian style of architecture and the walls are surrounded by granite. The Pushkarani (temple tank) is called Kanaga Saras and Hema Saras Pushkarani.
Six rituals are performed throughout the day with other regular pujas.
Kanchipuram Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple Timings:
Morning: 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM
Evening: 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM
Kanchipuram Thiru Velukkai Pooja Timings:
Ushathkalam Pooja – 7:00 AM
Kalasanthi Pooja – 8:00 AM
Uchikalam Pooja – 12:00 Noon
Sayarakshai Pooja – 6:00 PM
Irandamkalam Pooja – 7:00 PM
Ardha Jamam Pooja – 10:00 PM
Tiruvelukkai Temple History:
Of the Incarnations of Sri Vishnu, Sri Narasimha Avatara is considered great representing His “Protection Readiness” for His devotees. In this Avatar He came to the rescue of His devotee instantly from a pillar. After destroying Hiranya, Lord wanted peace. Tamil word Vaell means desire. Perumal had the desire to be calm and peaceful in this place, it came to be known as Velirukkai which later changed as Velukkai.
A group of demons came to destroy a yajna proposed by Lord Brahmma. He surrendered to Lord Perumal for protection. As Perumal appeared from a pillar to protect Prahladha in lion-human form (Narasimha), He came now in the same form from Hasthisailam cave and drove the demons. They disappeared from this place in Kancheepuram. Lord stayed there as Yoga Narasimma facing east. Lord is known as Aall, Hari and Mukunda Nayakan.
How to Reach Azhagiya Singaperumal Temple:
By Air:
Chennai international airport is the nearest which is 61.3 km away from the temple. Private Taxis and Cabs are available at the airport.
By Rail:
Kanchi is well connected with the southern part of the rail network and few trains are running through Kanchipuram. Suburban trains are running between Kanchipuram and Chennai beach on specified intervals.
By Road:
Kanchipuram is well connected with the other major cities and it is a few km from the Quadrilateral National Highway. The bus frequency is more from Chennai Koyambedu bus terminus and it takes 2 to 3 hours to reach.
Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple Address:
Singaperumal Sannidhi Street,
Ennaikaran,
Kanchipuram,
Tamil Nadu – 631501.
