The Adikesava Perumal Temple is a revered Vishnu temple located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the important Vaishnavite shrines in the city and holds deep spiritual significance among devotees of Bhagwan Vishnu. Adikesava Perumal Temple also known as Sri Adikesava Perumal Peyalwar Temple.
Adikesava Perumal Mandir History and Architecture
❀ Presiding Deity is Lord Adikesava Perumal (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and her consort: Mayuravalli Thayar (Devi Lakshmi). The Lord is depicted in a standing posture, holding the shankh (conch) and chakra (discus), radiating divine grace.
❀ The temple is ancient, believed to date back several centuries, and built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style. It is closely associated with Sri Peyazhwar, one of the 12 Alwars (Vaishnava saints).
❀ Peyazhwar is said to have been born in a lily flower in the temple tank (Adikesava Perumal Theertham) during a divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Because of this, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams’ associated sites.
❀ According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared here as Adikesava Perumal to bless Peyazhwar and guide devotees towards spiritual awakening. The temple tank, Chakra Theertham, is believed to have divine purifying powers.
❀ The prakaram (corridor) houses shrines for: Sri Andal, Sri Hanuman, Sri Garuda, Sri Ranganatha. The temple tank lies adjacent to the complex, where annual rituals are performed.
Adikesava Perumal Mandir Darshan Timing
The temple is open for the whole week and the darshan timing is 6 AM to 9PM.
Prime Festivals at Adikesava Perumal Mandir
Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with grandeur and early morning paramapada vassal darshan. Peyazhwar Avatara Utsavam – marks the birth anniversary of Peyazhwar; devotees take a ceremonial procession to the Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple, symbolizing harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Brahmotsavam, Ram Navami, and Krishna Jayanthi are also observed with devotion.
How to Reach Adikesava Perumal Mandir
The Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is located in Kesava Perumal Street, Mylapore, Chennai. One can easily reach the place by local bus and taxi from mylapore bus stand.
Note: The goddess Mayuravalli is worshipped with Bilva leaves, which are otherwise used only in Shiva temples. Shiva, Parvati, and Lakshmi in the form of Mayuravalli are believed to have worshipped Adi Kesava Perumal and got relieved off their curses. It is believed that Pey Alvar was taught by Mayuravalli. Following the legend of the temple, the temple is frequented by devotees praying for their education and also for getting a good married life. The temple and
Kapaleeshwarar Temple are the oldest extant monuments in Mylapore.
Popular Name: Sri Adikesava Perumal Peyalwar Temple