A Divya Desam associated with the well-known Gajendra Moksha episode, in which Vishnu is believed to have rushed to save a devoted elephant from a crocodile's grasp.
A Divya Desam associated with the well-known Gajendra Moksha episode, in which Vishnu is believed to have rushed to save a devoted elephant from a crocodile's grasp.
The temple's history follows the pattern typical of the Kaveri-delta Divya Desams, with Chola-era development and continuous worship maintained through subsequent centuries of regional temple administration.
A Dravidian-style temple typical of the Thanjavur region, modest in scale, with the Gajendra Moksha narrative — one of the more widely known Vishnu legends — central to its devotional identity.
The Gajendra Moksha story, in which the elephant-king Gajendra is seized by a crocodile and calls out to Vishnu for rescue, is among the most popular and frequently retold Vaishnava legends; this temple is one of the specific sites associated with that episode having taken place, giving it particular devotional resonance for many pilgrims.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning Darshan | 7:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Open | Morning worship and darshan are available. |
Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Closed | Temple remains closed during afternoon hours. |
Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM | Open | Evening darshan and rituals are available. |
Temple Closing | — | 7:30 PM | Closed | Final rituals conclude the day. |
Pooja | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Ushathkalam Pooja | 7:00 AM | Free | Morning opening worship with traditional prayers. |
Kalasanthi Pooja | 8:00 AM | Free | Morning offerings and deeparadhana. |
Uchikala Pooja | 12:00 PM | Free | Midday worship with naivedyam offerings. |
Sayarakshai Pooja | 6:00 PM | Free | Evening lamp ceremony and prayers. |
Ardha Jamam Pooja | 7:00 PM | Free | Final worship before temple closing. |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 10–20 minutes | Walk-in |
Special Darshan | ₹20 onwards | 5–10 minutes | Temple Counter |
Archana | ₹50 onwards | Immediate | Temple Counter |
Special Sevas | Varies | Advance Booking | Temple Office |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Archana Seva | Daily | ₹50 onwards | Individual prayers with offerings. |
Thirumanjanam | Morning | ₹500 onwards | Sacred bathing ritual with traditional offerings. |
Tulasi Archana | Daily | ₹100 onwards | Offering of Tulasi leaves during worship. |
Special Alankaram | Festival Days | Varies | Decorative worship with flowers and ornaments. |
Sankalp Pooja | On Request | Varies | Personalized prayers performed for devotees and families. |
Gajendra Moksha Special Pooja | Special Days | Varies | Special worship associated with the temple’s traditional observances. |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Gajendra Moksha Leela | Aadi (July–August) | Special celebrations with traditional rituals and devotional programs. |
Vaikasi Visakam Car Festival | May–June | Annual temple chariot festival with processions. |
Brahmotsavam | Various Dates | Major annual festival with special poojas and celebrations. |
Vaikunta Ekadasi | December–January | Special Vishnu worship with extended darshan and devotional activities. |
Purattasi Saturdays | September–October | Special Vishnu prayers and offerings during the Tamil month of Purattasi. |
Krishna Janmashtami | August–September | Special decorations and devotional celebrations. |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Chakkara Pongal | ₹40–₹80 | Sweet rice preparation offered during worship. |
Puliyodarai | ₹30–₹60 | Traditional tamarind rice prasadam. |
Ven Pongal | ₹30–₹60 | Savory rice preparation offered traditionally. |
Laddu | ₹40–₹80 | Sweet prasadam available during special occasions. |
Tulasi Theertham | Free | Sacred water distributed after darshan. |
Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~50 km). Well connected by road from Kumbakonam and Thanjavur.
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📍 Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple, Kabisthalam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612102
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Sarangapani Temple and other Kumbakonam-area Divya Desams are within easy reach.
