Kari Krishna Perumal Thiru Aayarpadi, Ponneri

2000 year old temple dating back to Karikala Chozha period
Moolavar Idol is seen slanting to his right

Located 35kms North of Madras off the Calcutta Highway is the Kari Krishna Perumal koil in Thiru Aayarpadi, Ponneri, a temple that dates back to the rule of Kari Kala Chozha, one of the greatest among the early Chozha kings. This temple is believed to have been built during his period and hence has been named after him.

The slanting Moolavar idol

With a Kondai (bun like tuft) on his head, Kari Krishna has his left hand on his hip in a majestic king like stance. His right leg is slightly down on a pit while his left leg is normal. Hence, one finds the moolavar swayambu idol in a standing posture slanting slightly towards his right. All the pillars in the mandapam in front of the temple are also seen slanting towards one side. Interestingly, there is no peedam for the Lord. He is seen standing on the ground just like us!!!

Unique Feature-Goddess to the left of Moolavar Lord

Another unique feature at this temple is that Soundaravalli Thaayar is seen to the left of the Kari Krishna Sannidhi, facing the East. In Vishnu temples, one normally finds the Thaaayar Sannidhi to the right of Moolavar deity.

Lord Vishnu meets Lord Shiva in Chitrai

Baradwaja Maha Rishi  undertook penance at this temple while Agastya Rishi undertook penance invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva.Pleased with their prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared before Baradwaja Rishi and Lord Shiva before Sage Agastya and acceded to their request of providing joint darshan to the devotees. In accordance with this event, every year on the 5th day of Chitrai, Kari Krishna Perumal leaves on a procession to the bazaar street in Ponneri where he meets with Lord Shiva and exchanges garland. As Lord Shiva met with Lord Vishnu here, this street has come to be called Hari-Haran bazaar street.

Location of the temple

Aother unique feature of this temple is that it is surrounded by water in the front as well as the back of the temple. Behind the Sanctum is Santhana Pushkarani said to be very sacred, especially for child birth. In front of the temple, on the Northern side is the Arani River.

Prarthana Sthalam for Child birth

This temple is believed to be a prarthana Sthalam for child birth. On Rohini star every month, if childless couples visit the Kari Krishna temple with two plantains, ½ litre milk, 100gms butter and oil (Gingely lamp oil) and perform an archanai, the Lord is said to immediately bless the couple with progeny.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Sri Kari Krishna Perumal North Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar   : Soundara Valli Thaayara (left side of Moolavar)- East Facing

Temple Time : 730am-1030am and 530pm-830pm


Priest: Mohan Rama/ Srinath Bhattar @ 044- 27972290/94447 20636
Sampath Kumar/ Krishna Kumar/ Sai Krishna Bhattar@ 044- 27974934/99941 82494

Festivals
Chitra Festival – meeting of Kari Krishna Perumal with Lord Shiva
Puratasi Saturdays special at this temple
Vaikunta Ekadesi
Rama Navami

How to reach

The temple is about 35kms North of Chennai and about 1 km North East of the Ponneri Railway Station. Auto from the Ponneri Railway Station to the temple will cost Rs. 40/-.

Sub-Urban trains ply between Chennai Central and Ponneri ( Gummudipoondi route) every half hour It will take about 1 hour to reach Ponneri from Chennai Central Station.

Bus Route: 95D, 56D, 160P, 112B, 76C