Overview
The Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, also called Thirupadagam, is dedicated to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Krishna is worshipped as Pandava Thoothar, "messenger of the Pandavas", with Lakshmi as Rukmini. Wikipedia says it is one of the three oldest temples in Kanchipuram, with the Ulagalantha Perumal and Yathothkari Perumal temples.[1]
Legend
The legend comes from the Mahabharata, when Krishna went to the Kauravas as an envoy of the Pandavas. Duryodhana dug a pit covered with a carpet and a gem-studded chair, with wrestlers hidden inside, to capture Krishna. Krishna showed his cosmic form, vishvarupa, to the court. Dhritarashtra, offered a boon, asked to be made blind again after seeing the form. Krishna is also said to have shown the same form to Janamejaya, who had performed austerities for it.[1]
Wikipedia explains the name Thirupadagam as Pada, "big", and Agam, "residence": the place where Vishnu resides in his giant form.[1]
History
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas, with a set of Chola inscriptions. A record of Kulottunga Chola I in his fifth year notes a merchant provided a flower garden and bought land for the gardeners. Another from his 39th year records a gift for two malis of curd daily. An inscription of Rajadhiraja Chola II (1166-78 CE) records a gift of 32 cows for lighting lamps.[1]
The Maha mandapa is believed to be Chola work and the adjacent hall to date from the Vijayanagara period. The lead says three inscriptions date to the Chola kings, while the History section describes further records, so the number of inscriptions is not settled.being verified[1]
Architecture
The main entrance faces east and the plan is rectangular, with a four-tier rajagopuram and a single precinct. The central image is 25 ft tall, and Wikipedia says such a large Krishna is unique; the only images of similar stature are the main idols of the Ulagalantha temples at Kanchipuram and Tirukkoyilur. The sanctum vimana is called the Bhadra Vimana.[1]
The hall before the sanctum holds bronze festival images of the Alvars and of Emperumanar's disciple Arulala Perumal Emperumanar, whose image is rare in Vishnu temples. Rukmini's shrine is on the south of the main shrine, and a modern Chakratalvar shrine stands behind it.[1]
Rituals and festivals
The temple follows the Tenkalai tradition and the Vaikhanasa agama. Six daily rituals are listed by Wikipedia at 7 AM, 8 AM, 12 noon, 6 PM, 7 PM and 10 PM. Krishna Janmashtami in Avani (August-September) is the major festival, and the Bharani day of Karthikai honours Arulala Perumal Emperumanar.[1]
Festivals
Photos
Timings
- Six daily rituals: 7 AM, 8 AM, 12 noon, 6 PM, 7 PM and 10 PM (ritual times) — Wikipedia [1]
Frequently asked questions
Why is Krishna called Pandava Thoothar?
It means messenger of the Pandavas, recalling Krishna's mission as envoy to the Kauravas in the Mahabharata.[1]
How tall is the main image?
About 25 ft (7.6 m), seated in ardha padmasana.[1]
Why does Krishna have only two arms here?
Because Krishna appeared in human form, the image has two arms rather than four or more.[1]
When is the main festival?
Krishna Janmashtami, in Avani (August-September).[1]
Sources
- Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple — WikipediaEncyclopedia (secondary) · accessed 2026-11-01
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