Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram

Introduction

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is a well-known Vishnu shrine located in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Also known traditionally as Thirukadalmallai, it is a Divyadesam, a much-revered abode of Vishnu that has been glorified centuries ago, in the Divyaprabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints. Vishnu is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal, the prime deity here, and Goddess Lakshmi, as his consort Nilamangai Thayar. This also remains the birthplace of saint Bhoothathalvar, one of the great Vishnu devotees. Mahabalipuram is internationally renowned for its rich Pallava-period architectures and sculptures, and this temple remains one of the monuments recognized as UN heritage sites.

Temple Legends

Once, sage Pundarika was doing an intense penance on the seashore here, towards Lord Vishnu for seeing him as Kshirabdhi Natha, as he will be in his heavenly abode, Thirupaarkkadal. The sage also collected 1008 lotus flowers for submitting to the Lord. And in his enthusiasm, he began scooping out the seawater so as to drain out the sea, make a path therein and reach the Lord’s abode! Deeply touched by Pundarika’s devotion, Vishnu himself came in the disguise of an old man and asked the sage for some food. When Pundarika went and returned with the food, he found, not the elder but Lord Vishnu himself, lying at that place. And the sage realized the grace that the Lord has shown him. As Vishnu was reclining there itself on the ground, he came to be called Sthala Sayana Perumal, the Lord who stretched himself on the ground. Sage Agastya is also said to have come here and worshipped the presiding deity. It is believed that Agastya is still present in his invisible form in the temple tank.

As per another story, king Harikesarivarman was visiting the Lord at Thiruvidandhai temple daily from Mahabalipuram. And impressed with his devotion, the Lord himself settled here as Sthalasayana Perumal.

The History and Architecture of Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram remained an internationally renowned port in olden times and has been referred to even in the ancient Sangam literature. It became a flourishing town and trading center during the Pallava reign in the 7th-8th centuries CE. The town itself was named after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman, who was known as Mahabali or Maamallan. The Sthalasayana Perumal temple is believed to have been built, expanded, and developed by the Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, and the Nayaks. The complex is enclosed within a granite compound wall and has a 7-tiered 15th-16th century Rajagopuram, the entrance tower, replete with sculptures in its base. Sthalasayana Perumal is reclining in the sanctum sanctorum, not on his usual serpent couch but on the ground. He holds the Ahvahanahasta posture in one of his hands, calling devotees to him. Sage Pundarika is also there with him. Nilamangai Thayar, his consort, is in a separate shrine. The temple has 2 precincts and has shrines for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Rama, Hanuman, Andal, Sage Bhuthathazhwar, and other Azhwars. The processional deity is Ulaguyyaninran. Dwajasthambam, the flag mast, Bali Peetam, the sacrificial altar, Deepa Stambam, the altar for lamps, and Garuda Mandapam are also there in the temple. Pundarika Pushkarini, the temple tank with a pillared hall at its center, is outside the temple.

Temple Festivals

Being the Avatara Sthalam, the place of birth of Bhoothathazhwar, the Azhwar saint, Bhoothathazhwar Avatara Utsavam, his birth anniversary is celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November), with devotion and enthusiasm. On the occasion, the Azhwar visits the shrines of the presiding deity and his consort, and later, all are taken in grand processions in the streets around the temple. The annual Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi are some of the other festivals celebrated with fervor, here.

Benefits of worshipping Thirukadalmallai Sthalasayana Perumal

People worship this Lord for the removal of obstacles, especially in respect of marriage and for the overall welfare. It is also believed that this Lord can grant mental courage and the confidence to take on adversities and overcome them.