Tiruttankaa (Tooppul)
Divya Desam 45 of 108 | Region: Tondai Nadu
Situated in the divine city of Kanchipuram, Tiruttankaa, also known as Tooppul, is a sacred Divya Desam glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. This shrine is uniquely venerated as the avatara sthalam of Swami Vedanta Desikar, one of the greatest acharyas of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Deepa Prakasa Perumal, also known as Vilakkoli Perumal, in a standing posture
- Thayar (Goddess): Maragathavalli Thayar
- Theertham: Saraswati Theertham
- Vimanam: Sreekara Vimanam
The deity manifests as a radiant light, responding to Brahma’s prayers to dispel the darkness caused by asuras during his yajna. Hence, the name Deepa Prakasa, meaning “the Lord of Light.”
Sacred Legends
According to Sthala Purana, when asuras tried to disrupt Brahma’s yajna by plunging the world into darkness, Lord Vishnu appeared as Deepaprakasar, illuminating the world and allowing the sacred rituals to continue. This miracle earned Him the reverent name Vilakkoli Perumal.
Tiruttankaa is also hallowed as the birthplace of Swami Vedanta Desikar, the stalwart Vaishnava Acharya and poet-philosopher. A dedicated shrine for Desikar is housed within the temple complex, along with an idol of Lakshmi Hayagriva, the deity of knowledge, whom Desikar ardently worshipped.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasurams 1849, 2065
(As per Naalaayira Divya Prabandham)
Festivals and Celebrations
- Vaikunta Ekadasi, celebrated with grandeur, is the most significant festival at Tiruttankaa, attracting pilgrims from across the region.
- The birth festival of Swami Vedanta Desikar, observed in Purattasi, is also a major spiritual occasion here.
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