Tirunerakam Sri Ulakalanta Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Tirunerakam Sri Ulakalanta Perumal Temple, Kamatchi Amman Temple Street, Tirunerakam Kanchipuram

Deity

Jegatheesapperumal, Amman: Nilamangai Valli

Introduction

• Ulagalandha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Built in the Dravidian style, glorified in the Divya Prabandham (6th–9th centuries CE).
• One of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal and Lakshmi as Amudavalli.
• Constructed by Pallavas with contributions from Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, and Madurai Nayaks.
• Located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Big Kanchipuram.
• The temple houses four Divya Desams within its precincts:
  • Thirukkarvaanam
  • Thirukaaragam
  • Thiruneeragam
  • Thiruooragam (inside the sanctum of the main temple).

Puranic Significance

• The temple relates to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu from the Bhagavata Purana.
• King Mahabali, an Asura and Prahlada’s grandson, gained power through penance and generosity.
• Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf Brahmin (Vamana), requested three paces of land from Mahabali.
• Transforming into the giant Trivikrama, he:
  • Covered heaven with his first step.
  • Covered earth with his second step.
  • Mahabali offered his head for the third step.
• Vishnu granted Mahabali immortality and sovereignty over the netherworld (Patala).
• Associated with Thrikkakara Temple (Kerala) and Ulagalandha Perumal Temple.

Beliefs

• Revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Azhwars, especially Thirumangai Azhwar (Thirunedunthandagam).
• Unique as it houses four Divya Desams in one temple complex.
• Devotees pray here for blessings of humility and to overcome arrogance.
• Newlyweds often visit the temple to offer prayers and new clothes to the deity.

Special Features

• The temple spans 60,000 sq. ft. with a three-tiered rajagopuram and seven kalasas.
• Houses a 35 ft (11 m) tall deity of Ulagalantha Perumal in Trivikrama form.
  • Right leg presses Mahabali’s head.
  • Left leg is raised parallel to the ground.
  • Fingers symbolize the two steps taken and the third question to Mahabali.
• Elevated sanctum (vimana) roof accommodates the massive deity.
• Temple tank: Naga Tirtha, located outside the complex.
• Thaayar: Amudhavalli (Amirthavalli), and festival deity: Loganathan.
• Thirumangai Azhwar sang praises of all four Divya Desams in one hymn.

Festivals

• Vaikunda Ekadasi is the most significant festival celebrated at the temple.
• Devotees gather in large numbers to worship Ulagalantha Perumal and seek his blessings.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tirunerakam

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipurem

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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