Oothukkadu Kalinga Narthana Perumal Temple is located in a small village called Oothukkadu, around 14 km from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.The temple is considered to be over 1000 years old, with references to its antiquity found in village traditions and Puranic accounts. Though it is not one of the Divya Desams, it is a very important Vaishnava temple that became especially famous through the songs of the saint-composer Venkata Kavi (17th–18th century CE), who lived in Oothukkadu.
The main deity is Kalinga Narthana Perumal, a unique form of Lord Krishna as a child. The image shows Krishna dancing gracefully on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna river. The idol is made of metal and is so finely sculpted that even the nails, anklets, and ornaments can be clearly seen. Devotees believe that this idol was consecrated by Sage Vedavyasa himself.
Along with Kalinga Narthana Perumal, the temple also houses shrines for Sri Lakshmi Narayana, Rukmini, Satyabhama, and Andal. There is also a sanctum for Sri Rukmini Sametha Vidhya Rajagopala Swamy, another form of Krishna as the divine cowherd.
The temple is built in the traditional South Indian style, with a simple but beautiful gopuram (tower) and pillared mandapams. The sanctum is small but highly sacred, housing the famous dancing Krishna. Unlike many large temples in Tamil Nadu, Oothukkadu is compact and serene, giving devotees an intimate darshan experience.
Oothukkadu became well known through the life and compositions of Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi, a great poet-saint and devotee of Krishna. He lived in this village and composed hundreds of songs in praise of Kalinga Narthana Perumal and Vidhya Rajagopala Swamy. His kritis are still sung in Carnatic music concerts and preserve the temple’s spiritual heritage.
According to the temple legend, long ago, the serpent Kaliya lived in the waters of the Yamuna River and spread poison, making it dangerous for the people and cows. The young Lord Krishna, out of compassion, jumped into the river and fought with the mighty serpent. To the surprise of everyone, the little Krishna climbed on Kaliya’s head and performed a beautiful dance, pressing each hood down with his tiny feet. Unable to bear the divine weight, Kaliya finally surrendered and was blessed by Krishna to leave the Yamuna and live peacefully in the ocean. The idol of Kalinga Narthana Perumal at Oothukkadu is believed to be the very form of Krishna performing this divine dance. It is said that Sage Vedavyasa consecrated this image after having the vision of Krishna’s dance here, and even today, devotees believe that worshipping this form protects them from snake troubles, removes fear, and grants knowledge, devotion, and artistic talent.
The temple celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with grandeur, along with Vaikunta Ekadashi, the Margazhi month, and annual festivals for Sri Vidhya Rajagopala Swamy. Music and songs of Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi are central to all celebrations.
