Pandava Dhootar Temple
The Pandava Dhoothar Perumal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy places of Vishnu mentioned in the Divya Prabandham, a collection of Tamil hymns composed by the Alvars. The temple is praised in the hynms of Peyalvar, Bhoothathalvar, Tirumalisai Alvar, Nammalvar, and Thirumangai Alvar
The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram, the other two being Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple. It is believed to have been built by the Pallavas in the 8th century CE. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Pandava Dhoothar Perumal. Lord Krishna in this sanctum Santorum is 25 ft tall which is the tallest in the country with Perumal in sitting posture. The tower above perumal is called Badhra Vimana.
The temple is associated with a Hindu legend in the epic Mahabharata. Sri Krishna went to the Hastinapur as a Dhoota (envoy) of the Pandavas. Duryodhana planned to kill him by hiding wrestlers under a deep pit covered with a carpet and a chair studded with gems. He invited Krishna to be seated in that chair as per his conspiracy to kill him. Krishna, being the avatar of Vishnu, assumed his vishvarupa and knocked down the wrestlers.
After hearing this story from sage Vishampayana, King Janameyjaya wanted to get the Vishwaroopa Dharshan of lord as He gave the seva for all in the Duriyodhan’s palace. As per sage’s advice Janameyjaya did penance to lord Vishnu at this place and he was blessed with Vishwaroopa Dharsanam as “Pandava Dhootha”.
It is also believed that Rohini Devi worshipped lord at this place to get married to Chandra Deva (Moon God)
The temple has a number of other shrines, including separate sannadhis for Rukmani, Sathya Bama, Arulala perumal, Emperumanaar, Chakrathalwar and Narasimhar. The temple follows the traditions of the Tenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows vaikanasa aagama. The major festival of the temple is Sri Krishna Janmastami celebrated during the Tamil month of Avani (August–September). The other major festival of the temple celebrated during Bharani of Karthikai (November–December) in honour of Arulala Peruman Emperumanar.
State: Tamil Nadu
Famous for/as: Pilgrim Divya Desham
Languages: Tamil
Temple Timings:
- 7 AM to 11 PM
- 4 PM to 7.30 PM
Dress Code and Restrictions:
- Formal and traditional dress is allowed for men & women.
- Mobiles and Cameras are restricted.
How to reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai which is around 65 km away from the temple.
- By Rail: Regular trains are available from Chennai and major cities of India
- By Road: Well connected with all major cities and local State Buses are available from Chennai and other major cities.