Koyambedu Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumal- LAVA KUSA Temple (KO - AYAM - BEDU) (Chennai)

 temple, Vishnu temple

It is also said that the names of this place in ancient days were as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram. Kulothunga Chozha is said to have ruled in the 12th Century and hence it is said that the temple was constructed during his period.
It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram here, along with their mother Sita Devi. It is said that Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal here was worshipped by Sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusa.Usually, Vaikunda Perumaal temples will have the presiding deity in sitting posture. But here Perumaal is seen in standing posture along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.This temple is also famous for its shrine for Sri Rama and Sita Devi. Sri Rama and Sita are found just outside the sanctum unusually on normal clothing instead of being dressed like King and Queen. Sita Devi is seen on a regular Saree with her hair do (called Kodaali Kondai) as an ordinary woman. It is made to signify their posture when they spent 14 years in the forest.There are 3 trees uniquely grown very close to each other. There is one Vilvam tree between 2 neem trees on its either sides. It is said that Vilvam signifies Lord Shiva and one of the Neem tree represents Sri Parvathi and another Neem tree signifies Her brother Lord Vishnu. It is believed that it is like the wedding posture of Lord Shiva where Lord Vishnu presides over their marriage by joining their hands together. A Vilvam and Neem tree inside a Vaishnavite temple is a very rare sight.