Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple or Thiru Kaaragam is the 52nd kshetram of 108 divya desam and mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai Azhwar. The Moolavar is Sri Karunakara Perumal / Kaaragathan and Thayar is Sri Padmamani Nachiyar / Ramamani Nachiyaar. Sri Karunakara Perumal temple is within the Thiru Ooragam also known as Ulgalantha Perumal temple. Akraaya Theertham is the temple Pushkarani. Vaamana Vimanam, Ramya Vimanam. Since Vimanam is so pleasant (Ramyam) the thaayar is known as “Ramamani Thayaar”. Here the lord is in a Standing position facing his Thirumugham towards the South direction. Prathayaksam for Kaasha Maharishi.
Ulagalandha Perumal Temple houses four temples of ‘108 Divya Desam Temples’ on its own. They are named as ‘Thirukkarvaanam’, ‘Thirukaaragam’, ‘Thiruooragam’ and ‘Thiruneeragam’. Renowned Vaishnavite Saint Tirumangai Azhwar has sung the glory of Lord Perumal of the shrine in his Mangalasasanam hymns
Perumal as Karunakara Perumal is in sitting posture on Adhiseshan with hood above Perumal’s head. Urchavar is with Padmamani Nachiyar and Ramamani Nachiyar. Perumal gave darshan to Kaasha Maharishi. The people believe that Perumal is like rainy clouds called Kaar in Tamil and also Karunakaran means Courtesy towards Bhaktas. As per another legend, the Sage Garga performed his penance at this temple and obtained knowledge. Hence this temple was called Garagaham later turned to Karagam.
The Perumal in this sthalam is Karunakara Perumal. He gives his Seva in a southerly direction, which is supposed to be the direction that belongs to the cool breeze. He meets him with Padmamani Naachiyaar and explains to the world that he is the Megham (clouds) that brings rain to this world to enrich the wealth of the world.
Without waiting for any return, the clouds give the rain to the world. Since, Karunakara Perumal resembles Kaar, the clouds, he does not expect anything from his devotees, but only pure bhakti from them.
Since the Perumal does not expect anything but only, the pure bhakti and the Karunai show (Courtesy), the Perumal is called “Karunakara Perumal”.
Sometimes the sky does not give rain. He will test the earth and finally give rain for the earth to flourish. Likewise, despite knowing the devotee’s problems, he will test them if they will continue their pure devotion to him. And after that, he will give them all his blessings, and thus he will bring them out of their troubles.
Brahmotsavam, Vamana Jayanthi Festival, Navaratri Festival, Vaikunda Ekadasi are the festivals grandly celebrated in the temple
Kanchipuram Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple Timings:
Morning: 7.00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Karunakara Perumal Temple Poojas:
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
Kanchipuram Thiru Kaaragam Temple Address:
Big Kanchipuram,
Kanchipuram,
Tamil Nadu – 631501.
