Vaikhunta Perumal Temple

The Vaikhunta Perumal Temple in

Uthiramerur, a village in the south Indian
state of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to the
Hindu god Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram.
The Vaikhunta Perumal Temple is also
known as Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram
constructed in Dravidian style of
architecture.
The Temple is constructed in Dravidian style
of architecture( Dravidian architecture or
south Indian tempe style is an architectural
idiom in Hindu architecture that e merged in
south India and some part of Sri lanka.
Its an earliest specimen of Dravidian
Architecture.
 History of Temple
 This temple is the second oldest temple in Kanchipuram after Kailashnathar
temple.
 The temple was originally built by Pallava, with later edition from chola.

 It was constructed by Pallava King Nandi Varman II in 690 CE; Nandi Varman
Pallavamallan was a worshipper of Vishnu and great patron of learning.

 The Cholas captured the region and it came under their domination during later
part of 9th century. Nandivarman II was a Pallava ruler
who ruled in South India. Sen
 The region and the village went under the sway of Pandyas during the 13th states Nandivarman reign from
731-796 CE.
century and subsequently to Telegu Chola ruler Vijaya Gandagopala.
 Architecture
 Vaikhunta Perumal temple covers an area of about 0.5
acres(0.20 acres).
 The style of construction follows Dravidian architecture.

PLAN OF TEMPLE
 The logical and complex plan of temple
provided prototype for the much larger
shrines to be constructed all over the
Tamil Nadu.
 The Temple has rectangular plan.
 The Vimana has a stepped pyramidal
roof and it resembles a vihara.
 Three Sanctuaries host the image of
Vishnu in different- seated(ground
floor), lying(first floor; accessible to
devotees only on Ekadashi days) and
standing; (inaccessible for devotees).
 3 Tier Sanctum

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

 SCULPTURE  It contains the inscribed panels
of sculpture portraying the
event leading up to the
accession of Nandivarman
Pallavamallan to the throne.
 Walls carrying so many stories
In the form of sculptures.
 They almost give the
impression that they are
guarding these stories of Gods
and Kings.
 Panels on the left wall depict
the stories of Vishnu, whose
home the temple is.
 On the other hand stories of
right walls depict the stories
the parallel stories from the life
of king Nandivarman who is
credited with building this
temple.
Few more
sculptures
 Pallava Pillar with lion
shaped base.
Tapering pillars with their
base carved in the shape
of a sitting lion are the
hallmark of Pallava
architecture in Tamil
Nadu.

Moat around the Temple

You naturally wonder how would

the temple look when rains would
fill up this area. I found this this
feature quite unique in this
temple. The temple reflecting in
water was a stunning scene.