Yathothkari Perumal Temple

Yathothkari Perumal Temple is a Hindu Vishnu temple located in Thiruvetka, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Yathothkari Perumal and goddess Komalavalli Thayar, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alvars. Built in Dravidian architecture with a three-tiered gopuram, the temple is traditionally associated with Poigai Alvar, one of the first three Alvars, and reflects Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara contributions.

Visitors can expect a compact, traditional South Indian temple complex with a three-tiered gopuram, pillared mandapas, and sanctums for Yathothkari Perumal and Komalavalli Thayar. The temple tank (Poigai Kulam) is located nearby and is associated with Poigai Alvar. The setting is quiet compared to larger Kanchipuram temples, allowing for darshan, circumambulation, and observation of Dravidian architecture, stone inscriptions and daily rituals.

The temple is believed to have origins in the Pallava period (around 8th century) with later contributions from Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. It is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Poigai Alvar, one of the earliest Alvar saints. Inscriptions and architectural styles reflect successive patronage and renovations over centuries.

As one of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple is highly revered in Sri Vaishnavism and glorified in the hymns of the Alvars, particularly Poigai Alvar and Thirumangai Alvar. The deity is worshipped as Yathothkari Perumal or Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal, recalling the legend of Vishnu fulfilling the words of his devotee. It remains an important pilgrimage centre within the Kanchipuram Divya Desam circuit.