Thirukavithalam (Gajendra Varadha)

trade_routes:

• "Chola heartland temple corridor (Kaveri delta)" connected_events:
  • event: "Alvar hymns and Divya Prabandham composition" significance: "One of the 108 Divya Desams hymned by the 12 Alvars (6th–9th c. CE)" trade_routes:
• "Ancient Tamil Nadu temple trade corridor" vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" connected_events:
  • event: "Temple founding and consecration" significance: "Original temple construction and prana-pratishtha ceremony" associated_kings:
• "Local ruling dynasty" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• jasmine trade_routes:
• "Ancient Tamil Nadu temple trade corridor" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• champaka sacred_trees:
• peepal
• bilva (bael)
• tulasi sacred_animals:
• Nandi (sacred bull)
• peacock
• elephant vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" primary_scriptures:
  • title: "Nālāyira Divya Prabandham" type: "stotra" festival_dates:
• "Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)"
• "Diwali (Oct–Nov)" trade_routes:
• "Ancient South Indian temple trade corridor"

Thirukavithalam (Gajendra Varadha)

One of the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Vishnu glorified in the Naalāyira Divya Prabandham (4,000 Tamil hymns) composed by the 12 Āḻvār saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE.

Deity

The presiding deity is Gajendra Varadha Perumal, worshipped here in a unique mūrti (iconographic form) specific to this temple. The goddess (Thāyār) holds a separate sanctum within the same precinct.

Region

This temple belongs to the Chola Nadu division of the Divya Desam sacred geography.

Architecture & History

The temple architecture follows the South Indian Drāviḍa tradition, with a gopuram (gateway tower), praṅka (circumambulatory path), and sanctum sanctorum. Historical layers span multiple dynasties including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Nayakas.

Sources

This entry is a canonical stub awaiting enrichment. When expanded, it will contain:

• Stated sthalapurāṇa (temple legend)
• Āḻvār pasuram quotations
• Dynastic construction history
• ASI or temple trust architectural notes
• Festival calendar