Abodes of Vishnu
108 Divya Desams
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108 Divya Desams

Kapistalam

One of the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns of the Alwars of the 1st millennium CE

Location: Kapistalam (Papanasam) near Kumbakonam
(Chola Naadu)
Vishnu: Gajendra Varadan
Taayaar: Ramaamanivalli
Theertham:Gajendra Pushkarini, Kapila Theertham
Paasuram :Tirumazhisai
Vimaanam:Gaganaakriti Vimanam
Travel Base:Thanjavur

Description: This Divyadesam is located at a distance of 3km from Paapanasam near Thanjavur, Kumbhakonam.

Deities: The moolavar here is Gajendra Varadan, in a reclining posture facing east and the Taayaar is Ramaamanivalli or Potraamaraiyaal. There are also shrines to Andal and Santanakrishnan.

Legend has it that Vishnu saved Gajendran, the king of elephants from the clutches of a crocodile, upon hearing his prayers. A similar legend also holds at the Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kanchipuram. Vaali and Sugreevan (Kapi - monkey) are believed to have worshipped Vishnu here hence the name Kapistalam.

Festivals: Gajendra Moksham is enacted in the month of Pankuni. Other festivals celebrated here include Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Rama Navami and Akshaya Tritiyai.