Gajendra Varadan Temple

The temple at Thirukkavithalam, also called Kabisthalam, in the Chola Nadu enshrines the Lord as Gajendra Varadan and stands among the 108 Divya Desams sung in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. The name of the presiding deity directly recalls the celebrated episode of Gajendra Moksha, and according to the sthala purana this kshetra is intimately associated with that great act of divine deliverance. Tradition holds that when Gajendra, the lord of elephants, was seized by a crocodile and cried out in helpless devotion, the Lord rushed to his aid and granted him liberation, and it is in remembrance of this grace that he is worshipped here as Gajendra Varadan, the bestower of boons upon Gajendra. The temple thus embodies the timeless promise that the Lord answers the surrendered cry of his devotees, hastening to rescue those who turn to him in distress. Set within the sacred Kaveri delta of the Chola country, Thirukkavithalam takes its place among the Divya Desams that grace this hallowed region. The glory of this abode was sung by Thirumazhisai Alwar, whose verses in the Prabandham enshrined the temple among the divine abodes praised by the Alwars and carried its renown to generations of devotees. Worshippers who come before the Moolavar here meditate upon the Lord’s swift and boundless compassion as revealed in the deliverance of Gajendra, finding in this shrine an abiding emblem of refuge for all who seek his protection.

Festivals

This temple at Thirukkavithalam, known as Kabisthalam and associated with the Lord Gajendra Varadan who rescued the elephant-king Gajendra, traditionally follows the established Srivaishnava festival cycle. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated as the principal festival, with the utsava murti taken in daily procession on different vahanas accompanied by the chanting of the Vedas and the Divya Prabandham. The episode of Gajendra Moksham, central to this sacred place, is recalled with special devotion during the appropriate festival days. Vaikunta Ekadasi in the month of Margazhi is observed with great reverence, and other traditional rites such as Pavithrotsavam and a Float festival (Theppotsavam) are kept where customary. Principal Vaishnava days including Sri Rama Navami, Sri Jayanthi and the commemorations of the Azhwars are also marked in the temple’s yearly calendar.

Location & Access

The temple lies at Thirukkavithalam, also called Kabisthalam, a village on the banks of the Kaveri in the Chola Nadu region of Tamil Nadu, within the Thanjavur district and near Kumbakonam. The nearest railway and bus connections are reached through Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, with onward links to Tiruchirappalli, where the nearest airport is situated. Like most Vishnu temples, it generally observes morning and evening darshan hours with a midday closure. Verify current darshan timings and travel details with the temple or official sources before visiting.