Thirukkalvanur Temple, Kanchipuram

Introduction

Thirukkalvanur Temple is a Vishnu shrine located in the temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. This is a small shrine situated inside the famous Sri Kamakshi Amman temple complex. Here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal, and his consort is Goddess Anjilaivalli Thayar. This Lord has been glorified in a hymn of Thirumangai Azhwar, one of the Azhwar saints, and hence, this temple is counted among the 108 Divyadesams, the special abodes of Vishnu. This temple is one of the 2 Divya Desams of Kanchipuram, located inside Shivite temples, the other being the Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple. ‘Kalva’ in Tamil refers to a thief. Since Goddess Parvati is said to have once called Vishnu as ‘Kalva,’ the thief, this shrine is referred to as Thirukkalvanur.

Temple Legends

There is an interesting story about how the Lord got the name ‘Kalvan.’ Once, Goddesses Kamakshi and Lakshmi were discussing something, while bathing in Kama Koshtam, the temple tank. Vishnu became curious about knowing what they were talking about, hid himself behind a pillar, and tried to eavesdrop. But Kamakshi, who was none other than Parvati, found that out and addressed the Lord playfully as ‘Kalva,’ that is, a thief. Hence Vishnu became ‘Kalvan’ here, and the place, Thiru Kalvanur.

It is also said that she gave him the ‘punishment’ in jest, to be present in all the 3 forms – sitting, standing, and lying down. Accordingly, the Lord appeared in the Nindra, Irundha, and Kidantha kolams, that is, standing, seated, and reclining postures. The Lord can be worshipped even today in all these 3 forms, on the northern side of the Kamakshi Amman temple tank.

It is also said elsewhere that once Parvati incurred the curse of Lord Shiva, prayed earnestly to Lord Vaamana, an incarnation of Vishnu at this place standing on one foot, and got relieved of her curse.

The Architecture of Thirukkalvanur Temple, Kanchipuram

The Thirukkalvanur Temple forms part of the well-known Goddess Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple. The temple structure is Dravidian in character. This Vishnu shrine is placed to the right of the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Kamakshi, where Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal can be worshipped in a standing posture, facing West. As per legends, he gave darshan to Ashvatta Narayanan. Anjilai Valli Thayar, his consort, is also there close by. The roof above is Vaamana Vimanam, and the temple tank is Nitya Pushkarini.

Temple Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with devotion in Margazhi (December-January), and the float festival in Panguni (March-April).

Benefits of worshipping the Lord in Thirukkalvanur Temple

It is believed that this Lord can help his devotees stay away from sinful activities and follow a righteous path, thus leading them to good Karma. He can also guide them towards spiritual life.