Divya Desam #9 Chola Nadu Kabisthalam, Tamil Nadu

Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple

திருக்கவித்தலம் · Thirukkavithalam

Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple at Kabisthalam is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams (five temples associated with Krishna) and is linked to the Gajendra Moksha legend.

Perumal: Gajendra Varadha Perumal
Thayar: Ramamanivalli
Posture: reclining
Theertham: Gajendra Pushkarini
Vimanam: Gaganakriti Vimanam
District: Thanjavur
State: Tamil Nadu
Region: Chola Nadu

How Kabisthalam Got Its Name: Hanuman's Worship at This Panchakanna Kshetram

As a Panchakanna Kshetram, Kabisthalam belongs to a group of five Divya Desams associated with Krishna ("Kanna" in Tamil). The village's own name is traditionally traced to a second layer of legend: Hanuman, the vanara lieutenant of Rama and himself regarded as an incarnation touched by Vishnu's grace, is said to have worshipped Gajendra Varadha Perumal here, and "kabi," the Tamil word for monkey, is held to be the origin of "Kabisthalam." The sage Parasara is also traditionally connected with worship at this site.

The Gajendra Moksha Legend Behind the Perumal's Name

Temple tradition holds that this is the site of the Gajendra Moksha episode, where Vishnu descended to rescue the elephant-devotee Gajendra (also known as Indradyumna in a past life) after he was seized by a crocodile while bathing in a sacred pond, answering the elephant's desperate call for protection. The Perumal's name here, Gajendra Varadha ("the one who grants boons to Gajendra") commemorates this rescue directly.

Separate from legend, the temple is generally dated to the late 9th century CE, built under the Medieval Cholas, with later contributions recorded from the Vijayanagara empire and the Madurai Nayaks.

Darshan & Pooja

Daily worship follows the customary schedule of the Kumbakonam-area Divya Desams.

Timings

Morning: 06:00–12:00
Evening: 16:00–20:30

Timings may change on festival days. Devotees should verify locally before travel.

Glorified By

This temple was glorified in verse (mangalasasanam) by Thirumangai Alvar.

Plan your visit

How to reach

Kabisthalam is a village about 3 km from Papanasam and roughly 20 km from both Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, in Thanjavur district.

Where to stay

Kabisthalam itself has only basic facilities; Kumbakonam or Thanjavur town, both a short drive away, are the practical bases with a fuller range of accommodation.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends and festival days.

Where to go next

The nearest Divya Desam is Thiruppullamboothangudi (about 5.8 km away), followed by Thirukkoodalur (about 6.3 km), both are worth combining into the same trip.

Location

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This Divya Desam is one of 25 where Perumal appears in reclining posture.

Thirumangai Alvar sang mangalasasanam here, one of 62 Divya Desams glorified by Thirumangai Alvar.

1 pasurams were sung in praise of this temple across the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the temple timings at Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple?

The temple is typically open 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:30. Timings may change on festival days. Devotees should verify locally before travel.

Is there a dress code?

Most Sri Vaishnava temples expect traditional attire: dhoti/veshti for men and saree or salwar for women is customary. Dress codes vary by temple and can change, so it is worth checking locally or with the temple administration before visiting.

Is darshan free or ticketed?

Darshan arrangements and any special ticket options can change over time. Contact the temple or check official sources for current details before travelling.

How long does a visit typically take?

This varies with crowds and the day: a simple darshan can take under an hour, while festival days or peak season can mean a much longer wait. Plan for extra time if visiting during a major festival.

Which other Divya Desam can I combine with this visit?

Thiruppullamboothangudi, about 5.8 km away, is the closest and is commonly combined with a visit here.