Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple is located in Thoopul, a sacred locality in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is situated just behind the Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams.The unique feature at the Mutt is that the Idol of Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Swami is a Saligrama Shila vigraham.
Thoopul is also the birthplace of Sri Vedanta Desikar, one of the greatest saints and scholars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The temple is managed by the Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt, which was established in the 14th century CE.
The main deity of the temple is Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the head of a horse and body of a human. He is accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and wisdom. Lord Hayagriva is revered as the God of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Memory. Devotees, especially students and scholars, pray to him for clarity of thought, success in education, and spiritual growth. The deity is in a sitting posture, holding a book and a conch, symbolizing divine knowledge and purity.
The temple follows classic Dravidian style architecture, with a small but beautiful sanctum (garbhagriha). The walls of the temple are adorned with carvings of Vaishnava symbols, and the overall structure is modest, reflecting its primary function as a spiritual and learning center rather than a royal temple. The premises include the shrine of Sri Vedanta Desikar, believed to have composed the famous Sri Hayagriva Stotram here. The deity is made of saligrama (sacred stone) and is beautifully decorated with ornaments and flowers.
It is believed that Sri Vedanta Desikar, a great Acharya and philosopher of the 13th century, composed the Sri Hayagriva Stotram here after having a vision of Lord Hayagriva. This hymn remains one of the most powerful prayers for knowledge and memory. The Parakala Mutt, which manages this temple, was founded in 1338 CE by Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Jeeyar, a disciple of Vedanta Desikar. The Mutt and the temple have continued uninterrupted traditions of Hayagriva worship for over 700 years.
According to legend, the Vedas (sacred scriptures) were stolen by demons and hidden under the ocean during ancient times. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Hayagriva, a divine being with the face of a horse and the wisdom of the cosmos, to retrieve them. He defeated the demons and restored the Vedas to Brahma, ensuring the preservation of divine knowledge in the world.
It is believed that Lord Hayagriva blessed Sri Vedanta Desikar with divine wisdom and poetic skills in Thoopul. Vedanta Desikar meditated here and composed many philosophical and devotional works under the guidance of Lord Hayagriva, making Thoopul a very sacred and spiritually charged location.
Hayagriva Jayanthi Celebrated during Avani month (August–September) on the Avittam (Dhanishta) Nakshatram.Special abhishekam, homam, and recitation of Hayagriva Stotram are performed.
Students and scholars attend in large numbers to receive the Lord’s blessings for academic success.
Vidya Arambham (Initiation of Learning) On Vijayadashami day, children are initiated into learning (Aksharabhyasam) in front of Lord Hayagriva.
A 10-day festival during the Purattasi month (September–October) celebrating the birth and contributions of Vedanta Desikar.