Haritha Vahana Perumal Temple (Chennai)

 temple, Vishnu temple

Mudhaliandan's Avatara Sthalam and also mentioned in Mahabharata. Big Temple.
Kandadai Andan (Swami Mudali Andan) was a shishya of the philosopher Ramanuja. His followers are also known as Iyengars. Swami Mudaliandan did not have children for long time. Once, while discussing with Sri Ramanuja, Andaan regretted about not having a child. At the same, Sri Ramanuja received prasadam from the Temple which was covered with a garment (Kandadai- Gandam + aadai – a piece of cloth with fragrance) worn on Lord’s thirumeni (Lord’s archaamurthy). Sri Ramanuja indicated to Andaan about the auspicious happening and told him he will get a son soon. Soon, a son was born to Andaan. Thus, Andaan vamsam (family) was called Kandadayar family. It is said that a whole street [north mada street] in SrIvilli-puttur bears the name 'kandaDaiyArvIthi', to signify the importance of the family.
Kandadai Andaan was born in Kumba (Masi) month punarvasu star as an amsam of Chatrukana azhwar. He was born at Koil (Srirangam) and his acharya was Sri Ramanuja. He learnt Sri Bashya, Veda, Sastra and Divya Prabandam from his father Swami Mudaliandaan. He learnt rahasyartham from Atkonda Villi Jeeyar. Like Sri Ramanuja, Kandadai Andaan had three acharyas – Sri Ramanuja, Swami Mudalinadaan and Atkonda Villi Jeeyar.
Out of deep love and respect for Sri Ramanuja, he requested Sri Ramanuja’s permission for installing a statue of Sri Ramanuja at his birthplace – Sriperumbudur and Sri Ramanjua also agreed to the same. He immediately called a sculptor and got a statue of Sri Ramanuja done. Sri Ramanuja was impressed with the statue, embraced it and gave his blessings to install the same at Sriperumbudur on Pushya natchatram in the month of Panguni. Swami Andaan after receiving Sri Ramanuja’s instructions made arrangements for installing the statue at the appointed day and time. He also codified performing of festivities for Swami’s thirumeni at Sriperumbudur.
Emperumaanaar had two very close disciples, Daasarathi and Kurratalvan. Kurrautalvan is quite well known for both being Sri Ramanuja's scribe and a noted scholar in his own right. But, Daasarathy was contented by simply offering kainkarya to Ramanuja and the Lord.
Daasarathi and his wife, it seems, were blessed with all of the joys that come from being part of Sri Ramanuja's Community, but for one, a child. So, they approached this compassionate Acharya and sought his mangalasasanas. During their conversation, a devotee arrived with prasadam for Ramanuja from Lord Ranganatha's Temple. The pot of prasadam was covered with a torn piece of cloth that was once part of the Lord's own clothing. Seeing this cherished piece of cloth, Ramanuja immediately bestowed it upon the couple. In due time, Daasarathy and his wife were blessed with a son, whom at birth, was placed in the very same torn piece of cloth, "Kandadai," which had served as a sign of the Lord's Benediction. This boy soon became known as Koil Kandadai Annan. His descendants, who belong to the lineage of the 74 Simhasanadhipatis, now proudly proclaim Koil Kandadai, Kandadai, or Kandala as their family name.
Jeear Swami has told us that the Kandadai families have the renown of being one of only three families that receive Acharya Sripada Teertham three times, rather than twice.
It is interesting to note that Daasarathi is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Himself. It seems that the Lord was so pleased with Adiseshan's service to Him as Lakshmana that He wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, He bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan; and, in Adiseshan's incarnation as Sri Ramanuja, became his Daasan, Daasarathi.