Tiruththanka or Tooppul or Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This ancient Sri Vishnu temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. Here Lord Perumal appears as ‘Deepa prakasar (Deepam means light) or Vilakoli Perumal (Vilakoli means light), as the Moolavar in Nindra Thirukkolam facing the west direction and his consort Sri Lakshmi as Maragathavailli. This temple is just ½ km away from Sri Ashtabuyakaram Temple.
It is believed that the temple was expanded during the medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. The temple has inscriptions on its walls dating from the period of Rajaraja Chola III (1223 CE). A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and two bodies of water. There is a two-tiered Raja gopuram, the main entrance tower, in the temple.
Deepaprakasar is believed to have appeared to Brahma. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Puratassi (September – October), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The Vimana above the Sanctum Sanctorum is called Srikara Vimana. Other dieties in the temple are Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Andal, Lord Hayagriva, Lord Deepa Prakasa, Azhwars, Garuda Bhagwan and Acharya Sri Vedanta Maha Desikaswami. The temple tank is called Saraswati Pushkarni.
Devotees visit this temple for child boon and to achieve excellence in education. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Lord and Mother offering vastras on realizing their wishes.
This place is said to be the birthplace of the great poet and devotee of the Lord, Vedanta Desika. He has a separate shrine in the temple. The icon of Desikar is believed to be installed by his son Nayinar Varadhachariar. Vaishanavite Saint Tirumangai Azhwar had praised Vilokkoli Perumal in his Managalasasanam hymn.
The temple rituals are performed six times a day:
- Ushathkalam 7:00 AM
- Kalasanthi 8:00 AM
- Uchikalam 12:00 Noon
- Sayarakshai 6:00 PM
- Irandamkalam 7:00 PM
- Ardha Jamam at 10:00 PM
Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (Decoration), Neivethanam (food offering) and Deeparadhana (waving of lamps) for both Deepaprakasar and Maragathavalli.
Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple Timings:
Morning: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tooppul History:
Lord Brahmma the Creator was sad that he had no temple on Earth and conducted a yajna dedicated to Lord Shiva. He failed to invite His own consort Mother Saraswathi. Angry Saraswathi cursed that there should be no light to conduct the yajna. Brahmma fell at the feet of Lord Vishnu for light. Perumal granted darshan to Brahmma in the form of Jyoti-light and helped him. As Perumal gave light – Vilakku Oli in Tamil- He is called Vilakkoli Perumal and Deepa Prakasar in Sanskrit.
Lord Brahmma the Creator was sad that he had no temple on earth and he performed a Yajna dedicated to Lord Shiva. He did not invite his own wife, Saraswathi Devi. Saraswathi in anger cursed that there should be no light to perform Yajna. Lord Brahmma fell at the feet of Sri Vishnu in search of light. Perumal bestowed darshan on Brahmma in the form of Jyoti-light and aided him. As Perumal gave birth – Vilakku Oli in Tamil – His name is Vilakkoli Perumal and Deepa Prakasar in Sanskrit.
Perumal also helped a compromise and re-union between Brahmma and Saraswathi.
How to Reach Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport which is just 60.3 km from the temple.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is the Kanchipuram Railway Station 3.1 km. Trains to Kanchipuram are available from Chennai Central, Chengalpattu, Bengaluru, and Tirupati railway stations.
By Road:
Kanchipuram is well connected by roads. There are frequent buses from Chennai, Selam, Tirupati and Bengaluru. The temple is 1.6 km from the Kanchipuram bus stand. Autos and private vehicles are also available.
Kanchi Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple Address:
Vilakadi Koil Street,
Ennaikaran,
Kanchipuram,
Tamil Nadu – 631501.