Yathothkari Perumal Temple

Yathothkari Perumal Temple stands at Tiruvekka (Thiruvekkaa) in Kanchipuram and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu shrines glorified by the Tamil Alvar saints. The presiding deity is Vishnu in a reclining posture, worshipped as Yathothkari or Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal, with the goddess venerated as Komalavalli.

Yathothkari Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Practical guide

Plan Yathothkari Perumal Temple

Typetemple
Nearest baseKanchipuram
Best timeThe cooler months from about November to February are most comfortable, and early morning or evening visits avoid both the midday heat and the temple's midday closing
Time neededAllow roughly 30 to 45 minutes for an unhurried darshan, or longer if you plan to sit quietly or visit during a festival
EntryFree entry for darshan; special or expedited darshan tickets may apply (indicative)
Nearest town/baseKanchipuram
DistrictKancheepuram
Place typetemple
Time neededAllow roughly 30 to 45 minutes for an unhurried darshan, or longer if you plan to sit quietly or visit during a festival.

Yathothkari Perumal Temple stands at Tiruvekka (Thiruvekkaa) in Kanchipuram and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu shrines glorified by the Tamil Alvar saints. The presiding deity is Vishnu in a reclining posture, worshipped as Yathothkari or Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal, with the goddess venerated as Komalavalli.

By tradition the temple is closely linked to the poet-saint Thirumazhisai Alvar and his disciple Kanikannan. When the saint and his disciple were asked to leave the region, the Lord is said to have risen from his reclining posture and followed them, returning to Tiruvekka only when requested to do so, which is how he earned the name of the one who did exactly as he was told.

Visiting

Yathothkari Perumal Temple — at a glance

TimingsTypically open in a morning and an evening session with a midday break; confirm timings locally before visiting (indicative)
Best timeCooler months from roughly November to February, and early morning or evening to avoid midday heat (indicative)

Entry: Free entry for darshan; special or expedited darshan tickets may apply (indicative)

Getting there: Within Kanchipuram, reachable by auto-rickshaw or local taxi from the town centre and bus stand (indicative)

Combine it with the other Kanchipuram Divya Desams in one circuit and check the midday closing time so you do not arrive during the break.

What to expect

Highlights

  • The main sanctum, where Vishnu is worshipped in a reclining form as Yathothkari, the Lord who acted according to his devotee's word.
  • The temple's status as one of the 108 Divya Desams, placing it on the classic Vaishnava pilgrimage circuit through Kanchipuram.
  • The traditional lore of the river Saraswati, said in legend to have flowed backward to protect the temple, and the shrine of the goddess Komalavalli.
Getting there

How to visit

  • Reach Kanchipuram by road or rail, then take a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to Tiruvekka within the town.
  • Time your visit for a morning or evening session, since the temple, like most in the area, closes for a midday break.
  • Pair it with nearby Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram to make a single, efficient pilgrimage loop.

Distance by road

  • Chennai72 km
  • Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)65 km
  • Vellore70 km
  • Puducherry110 km
  • Tirupati115 km

Road km to Kancheepuram; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.

Timing

Best time

The cooler months from about November to February are most comfortable, and early morning or evening visits avoid both the midday heat and the temple's midday closing.

Weather in Yathothkari Perumal TempleSeasonal guide

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Visitor notes

  • This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered and remove footwear before entering.
  • Photography is often restricted inside the sanctum; look for signage or ask temple staff before taking pictures.
Safety

Good to know

  • Stone floors can be hot underfoot in summer and slippery when wet, so step carefully around the sanctum and courtyards.
On the map

Where Yathothkari Perumal Temple is

Good to know

Yathothkari Perumal Temple — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

The cooler months from about November to February are most comfortable, and early morning or evening visits avoid both the midday heat and the temple's midday closing.

What are the entry fee and timings at Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

Entry: Free entry for darshan; special or expedited darshan tickets may apply (indicative). Timings: Typically open in a morning and an evening session with a midday break; confirm timings locally before visiting (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.

How do I reach Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

Reach Kanchipuram by road or rail, then take a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to Tiruvekka within the town. Time your visit for a morning or evening session, since the temple, like most in the area, closes for a midday break. Pair it with nearby Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram to make a single, efficient pilgrimage loop.

How much time do I need for Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

Allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes for an unhurried darshan, or longer if you plan to sit quietly or visit during a festival.

What else is near Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

Nearby you can pair Pavalavannar Temple (500 m), Azhagiya Singar Temple (640 m), Kanchipuram Silk Weaving (880 m), Ashtabhujakaram Temple (1.0 km).

What should I know before visiting Yathothkari Perumal Temple?

Stone floors can be hot underfoot in summer and slippery when wet, so step carefully around the sanctum and courtyards.

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Image credits
  • Yathothkari Perumal Temple:Ssriram mt · CC BY-SA 3.0