Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple

Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple at Thirukapisthalam is a sacred Divya Desam in Thanjavur district celebrated by Thirumangai Azhwar in the Divya Prabandham. The deity's name "Gajendra Varadha" commemorates the famous Gajendra Moksha episode from the Bhagavata Purana, where Lord Vishnu rushed to save the elephant king Gajendra from the clutches of a crocodile when the elephant surrendered and called out to the Lord. This story is central to Sri Vaishnava philosophy, illustrating the principle of Sharanagati — that the Lord Himself rushes to protect any soul that surrenders completely. The temple's name "Kapisthalam" is linked to the Vanara (monkey) devotees and the Kapila tree. This ancient shrine features Chola-era architecture and is an important stop for pilgrims traversing the Thanjavur district Divya Desams.