Thirukkaar Vaanar Temple, Thirukkarvanam

Sthala Purāṇam

The deity at Thirukaarvanam is Sri Kaarvaana Perumal (also called Kalvar Perumal), with consort Kamalavalli Nachiyar, one of the four Divya Desams housed today within the Ulagalantha Perumal (Thiru Ooragam) complex in Kanchipuram. The independent lore is sparse and largely shared with the parent shrine. The name 'Kaar' signifies the dark rain clouds, reflecting the cloud-hued, dark-complexioned form of the Lord and the cloud symbolism that runs through the Kanchi shrines of this complex, the Lord pouring grace as the clouds pour rain. The legend of this shrine is bound to the Vamana-Trivikrama avatara of the central Ulagalantha Perumal, in which Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana sought three paces of land from Mahabali and then expanded into the cosmic Trivikrama who measured the worlds, the legends of all four enclosed Divya Desams remaining linked to this central deity. The shrine is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alvar, who sang of these Kanchi shrines. No distinct, independent sthala puranam unique to this shrine beyond the cloud-name meaning and its linkage to the Trivikrama legend is well attested.

Gallery

Tap an image to view it larger — use ‹ › to browse, ✕ to close. Images via Wikimedia Commons.

Plan your visit

📍 12.83201, 79.70366

Routes, distances, hotels and restaurants open in Google Maps with live data. Build a phased pilgrimage plan →