Thirukadalmallai Sri Sthalasayana Perumal temple, Mahabalipuram

Address

Thirukadalmallai Sri Sthalasayana Perumal temple, SS Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Deity

Sthalasayana Perumal, Amman: Nelamangai

Introduction

• Location: Near Kollumangudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Proximity:
  • 2 km from Kollumangudi.
  • 40 km from Kumbakonam.
  • 10 km from Karaikal.
• Architecture:
  • Built in Dravidian style.
  • Glorified in Divya Prabandham by Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
• Significance:
  • One of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Deity: Vishnu as Sthalasayana Perumal, consort Thirumagal Nachiyar.
• Temple Structure:
  • Surrounded by a granite wall enclosing all shrines.
  • Features a four-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• Belief: Vishnu is believed to have appeared to sage Vyaghrapada.
• Administration: Maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, Government of Tamil Nadu.
• Tower Name: GaganaKriti Vimanam.
• Temple Tank: Pundarika Pushkarni.
• Rituals & Festivals:
  • Three daily rituals.
  • Three yearly festivals.
  • Brahmotsavam festival (Vaikasi – May–June) is the most prominent.

Puranic Significance

• Sage Pundarika’s Penance:
  • Performed penance worshiping Vishnu at this place.
  • Collected 1,008 Tamarasa (lotus) flowers to offer Vishnu in Ksirabdhi Natha form.
  • In devotion, scooped out water to dry the sea.
  • Vishnu appeared in the disguise of a sage, asking for food.
  • Sage Pundarika went to get food, but Vishnu remained at the spot, earning the name Sthalasayana Perumal.
• Mahabali Connection:
  • The region is associated with King Mahabali.
  • As per legend, Vishnu’s Vamana avatar blessed Mahabali here.
  • The place is sometimes referred to as Mahabalipuram.
• Pundareeka Maharishi’s Flower Park:
  • Created a nandavanam (flower park) for Vishnu’s worship.
  • Attempted to carry all lotus flowers to Thiruppaarkadal (Vishnu’s celestial ocean).
  • Unable to cross the sea due to huge waves, started scooping out the water.
  • Vishnu, as an old man, asked for food and offered help in drying the sea.

Special Features

• Location:
  • Situated in Mahabalipuram, a historic town near Chennai.
  • Close to Arjuna’s Penance, a UNESCO site.
• Historical Significance:
  • Birthplace of Bhoothathazhwar, the second of the Azhwar saints (7th–9th centuries).
• Temple Architecture:
  • Seven-tiered rajagopuram (built during the 15th–16th centuries).
  • Granite base of the entrance adorned with sculptures.
• Precincts & Shrines:
  • Two precincts.
  • Sanctum (Garbhagriha) Layout:
    • Axial to the main gate, accessible through:
      • Dwajasthambam (flagpost).
      • Bali Peetam (sacrificial altar).
      • Deepa Stambam (lamp altar).
      • Garuda Mandapam (dedicated to Garuda).
    • Presiding Deity:
      • Sthalasayana Perumal in reclining posture.
      • Right hand in Ahvahanahasta Mudra (beckoning devotees).
      • Sage Pundarika Maharishi in standing posture beside Perumal.
    • Processional Deity (Ulaguyyaninran):
      • Sported with four arms.
    • Goddess Shrine:
      • Nilamangai Thayar (Lakshmi), facing east.
    • Additional Shrines:
      • Andal.
      • Lakshmi Narasimha.
      • Bhoothathazhwar.
      • Rama.
      • Other Azhwars.
      • Hanuman shrine (opposite Rama’s shrine).
• Mandapas:
  • Four-pillared hall in front of the temple with sculpted pillars.
  • Used for Dolotsavam (swing festival).
• Temple Tank:
  • Pundarika Pushkarani.
  • Located outside the temple.
  • Features a small pillared mandapa in the center.

Festivals

• Vaikunta Ekadasi (major festival).

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

ECR

Nearest Railway Station

Thirukazhukundram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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