Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple , Thiruthanka (Tooppul, Kanchipuram)
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📍 Thiruthanka, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 47th Divya Desam at Thiruthanka (Tooppul) is the revered birthplace of Swami Vedanta Desikan and the sanctum where Lord Vishnu manifested as supreme divine light (Vilakkoli) to dispel cosmic darkness.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Deepa Prakasar / Vilakkoli Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Deepa Prakasar / Vilakkoli Perumal (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing West); Utsavar: Deepa Prakasar; Thayar: Maragadavalli Thayar; Vimanam: Srikara Vimanam; Theertham: Saraswathi Theertham; Pratyaksham: Lord Brahma, Saraswati.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Deepa Prakasar / Vilakkoli Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Vilakadi Koil Street, Tooppul, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
Spiritual Highlights
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Lighting rows of ghee deepams (oil lamps) to seek intellectual clarity and relief from ignorance.
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About Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple , Thiruthanka (Tooppul, Kanchipuram)
Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple in Thiruthanka (also hailed as Tooppul in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) is the 47th Divya Desam. It was glorified in 2 pasurams by Thirumangai Alvar. This sanctum is venerated across the Vaishnava world as the holy Avathara Sthalam of Swami Vedanta Desikan (1268–1369 CE), the lion of poets and philosophers (Kavitarkika Simham).
According to the sthala puranam, when Lord Brahma was conducting his Ashwamedha sacrifice, demons plunged the entire creation into impenetrable darkness by snuffing out all solar, lunar, and fire light. Unable to proceed with the Vedic rites, Brahma surrendered to Lord Vishnu. The Lord manifested as a blazing pillar of celestial luminescence, radiating infinite spiritual light (Deepa Prakasa) and dispelling the gloom. In classical Tamil, the Lord is hailed as Vilakkoli Perumal (the Lord of Lamp-Light).
Adjacent to the main temple stands the sacred birthplace shrine (Thirumaligai) of Swami Vedanta Desikan, who composed the luminous Saranagati Deepika hymn here in praise of Vilakkoli Perumal. Devotees visit Thiruthanka to light ghee lamps seeking academic excellence, memory power, and illumination of the intellect.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture (Chola and Vijayanagara stone structures; birthplace of Acharya Swami Vedanta Desika (1268 CE))
Srikara Vimanam, three-tier Rajagopuram, Saraswathi Theertham, historic Vedanta Desika avatara sannadhi.
Bronze icon of Swami Vedanta Desika consecrated in his birth pavilion inside the complex.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special Deepam lamps lit daily during evening worship.
Purattasi Sravanam festival celebrating the birth of Swami Vedanta Desika with grand scholar assemblies.
Tamarind rice, Sweet Pongal, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic clothing required: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Single floor compact parikrama with wide stone corridor; accessible for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Deepa Prakasar / Vilakkoli Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Maragadavalli Thayar Sannidhi, Swami Vedanta Desikan Avathara Sannidhi (Birthplace Shrine), Hayagriva Peetham, Andal Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Vilakadi Koil Street, Tooppul, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
How to Reach
Chennai International Airport (MAA) (approx 69 km)
Kanchipuram Railway Station (CJ) (approx 2.5 km)
Vilakkoli Kovil Bus Stop (approx 0.3 km)
