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Gajendra Varadar Temple, Kabisthalam

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Introduction

Gajendra Varadha Temple is one of the Divyadesams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Gajendra Varadha. This ancient temple is in Kabisthalam, near Thanjavur town, in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu and is referred to as Thirukkavithalam in the hymns of the Azhwar saints. Goddess Ramamanivalli is the divine consort of the Lord here. This is also one among the Pancha Krishnaranya Kshetrams, the five temples where Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is given prominence. The sacred Divya Prabandha compositions of the Azhwars speak about several miracles here and sing the praise of the Lord. This is one of the important Vishnu shrines, where devotees from all over the state and the country would gather and worship the Lord fervently. Kabisthalam is situated between the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam.

Temple Legends

Gajendra Varadha Temple

Once sage Durvasa cursed king Indrajuman to take birth as an elephant as the king did not pay proper attention to the sage. On the other hand, there was a demon by name Koohoo, who was cursed to become a crocodile, and he was causing a lot of trouble to everyone, in his new form. Once when elephant Gajendra, who was king Indrajuman in his previous birth, came to the pond to drink water, he was grabbed by the mighty crocodile. The elephant screamed the name of the Lord and pleaded for his protection. Vishnu heard his cries, and immediately sent his powerful Chakra, the discus weapon, which saved the elephant from the clutches of the crocodile. Since the Lord thus protected elephant Gajendra, he came to be called as Gajendra Varadha. It is also believed that Hanuman, the monkey God worshipped in this shrine, and hence this place is also revered as Kabi Sthalam, the sacred place of the monkey, with the word Kabi meaning monkey in Tamil.

The History and Architecture of Gajendra Varadha Temple, Kabisthalam

This Dravidian style temple was built by the medieval Cholas kings in the 8th century CE, and the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings patronized it, subsequently. The temple has a Raja Gopuram or main tower made of five tiers. The principal deity Gajendra Varadha can be worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum is in the reclining posture, known as Bujanga Sayanam, and there are separate shrines for the Goddess, Lord Yoga Narasimar, Sudarsana, Azhwars, and Garuda. The sacred tower above the sanctum is called Ganganakrutha Vimanam. The temple tank is Gajendra Pushkarani, and there is also one more tank called Kapila Theertham, here.

Temple Festivals

Gajendra Moksha Leela, the prominent festival is celebrated in the Tamil month Aadi (July-August), when the legendary event of the Lord saving the elephant Gajendra is enacted. Also, the chariot festival is held on Vaikasi Visakam, in May-June, while Brahmotsavam and many other festivals are also celebrated here.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Gajendra Varadha

It is a firm belief that Lord Gajendra Varadha will protect his devotees like an amulet, and when they call him by his name, he will come to their rescue instantly and save them. People worship in this temple to get rid of their problems in life, taking the Lord as their savior, who can mitigate their grievances and fulfill their wishes. As promised by Vishnu, and believed by his devotees, the Lord would always hear the voices of the devotees and help them during the crisis.

How to reach Gajendra Varadha Temple, Kabisthalam
By Air

The nearest airport is in Trichy, about 80 km from here, which is both a national and an international airport.

By Rail

Thanjavur railway station is located about 25 kilometers from the temple.

By Road

Buses and local transports are there in plenty to reach the temple. Autos and taxis are also available for comfortable transportation.

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