Thiru Thanks

Sri Deepa Prakasar - Thiru Thanka

Deepa Prakasar temple

Thiru Thanka or Thoopul is one of the 108 divya desam temples situated in Kanchipuram. The perumal in this sthalam is called 'Deepa prakasar'( Deepam- light) or 'Vilakoli perumal' (Vilakoli - light).

The legend behind the place Thiru Thanka goes like this. Lord Brahma wanted to perform Aswamedha Yaagam in Kanchipuram. Asuras wanted to stop that yaagam. The Asuras stopped the light by covering the sky and spread the darkness. To save the world and the yagam Sriman Narayanan appeared there as a "Light" and cleared the darkness. Since the Lord Narayana appeared like a bright light, the Perumal here is called as "Deepaprakasar". Deepam means light and Prakasam is brightness. Since the Perumal shone like light, He is also called as "Vilakku Oli Perumal".

The Moolavar here is Sri Deepa Prakasar or Vilakoli Perumal in a standing position facing West. Thayar of this sthalam is Maragathavalli thayar.

Other Sannidhis: There is a sannadhi for Vedantha Desikar (this is his birth place), where he is found with Gnana Muthirai and a sannadhi for Lakshimi Hayagreevar is also found.

Mangalasasanams The temple is revered by the verses of Tirumangai azhwar

Temple location It is situated in Kanchipuram very near to Ashtapujanga temple.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 7:00 AM till 10:00 am and from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm

How to reach? Kanchipuram is around 75 kms from Chennai off the Chennai- Vellore/ Bangalore highway via SriPerumbudur. Kanchipuram is well connected by several bus services from Chennai. There is a railway station in Kanchipuram with a few train services from Chennai in the mornings.

Where to Stay? There are many semi deluxe hotels in Kanchipuram
Other interesting places around Kanchipuram It is a temple town with 15 out of the 108 divya desams spread around here.
Contact +91-44-2722 5242
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Kanchipuram
Famous for: Pilgrimage,shopping for the world famous silk sarees,weaving
Languages: English,Tamil, Telugu
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level