Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is among the 108 divya desams of SriVaishnavas and is a part of the tondai naadu divyadesams. The Perumal found in this sthalam is Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal. He is found in Kidantha kolam in bhujanga sayanam (sleeping) and facing his thirumugham towards East direction along the sea. The utsavar perumal is known as ulaguyya ninraan. Pundareeka rishi can be seen sitting at the lord’s feet in the temple. This is the Avathara Sthalam of Bhoodathalwar. This Sthalam is full of Artistic work temple it is also called as “Artha Sethu”.

This sthalam, Thirukadalmallai is also called as “Mahabalipuram” and “Mamallapuram”. It is situated in Tamil Nadu 40 Kms away from Chennai and 7 miles from Thiruvidanthai.

On the right hand side on his heart, Gnana Upadesh known as “Gnana Tamiz Purintha Naan” is found. The Moolavar is Thiru Vala Vendhai  Varaaga Moorthy on west part of Kalangarai Vilakkam (light house) near the Cave Temple.

As if following suit with the lord, Thayar in this temple is also sitting on the floor (instead of sitting on lotus as seen in other temples) in a separate sannidhi. Thayar is named as “Nilamangai Thayar” which means Thayar is sitting on the floor.

Pushkarni and Vimanam:

There are two pushkarnis- Pundareeka pushkarni and Garuda river

The vimanam is known as thaganakruthi vimanam or aanatha vimanam.

The Uniqueness

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Vimanam was Built by Viswakara as Instructed by Dharma Rajan – The Shadow Never Falls Down.

History and Significance:

Once the Sage Pundareeka was performing penance at Mahabalipuram.  He saw lotus flowers in a tank nearby and wanted them to be placed at the feet of Lord Narayana in the Milk Ocean-Tiruparkadal.  Picking up the flowers, he proceeded to Tiruparkadal but the sea obstructed his march.  To make way, he began to dry the sea by removing the water day and night.  This went on for years.  Tired, he cried “Oh Lord Parandhama, if I am your true devotee, let the sea dry and make way for me and till such time I reach you these flowers should not fade off.”  His mind was completely set on Lord.  Perumal appeared before him as an aged man.

The old man asked the sage to get him food as he was hungry.  He also advised him to stop his impossible task and do something worthwhile.  The sage asked the old man to hold his flower basket and wait till he brought food for him saying that he was determined to see Perumal in Tiruparkadal, place the flowers at his feet and would not rest till then.  The sage went to bring food for the old man.  Before he returned, Perumal wore all the flowers on his Thirumeni – body – and was in his reclining posture.  It was a pleasant shock for the sage to see his Lord and begged his pardon for making him carry the flower basket and also begged to allow him at his feet.

As Lord gave darshan in his reclining position, he is praised as Sthala Sayana (reclining) Perumal. Pundareeka Mahirishi is also there in the sanctum sanctorum with the folded hands at the feet of the ALMIGHTY.

Festivals:

Margazhi Vaikunda Ekadasi is very devotionally celebrated in the temple.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule:

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is open in the mornings from 6.30 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 3 pm to 8.30 pm.

How to reach:

By Road

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is about 50 kms from Chennai. Frequent bus service is available from Chennai to Mahabalipuram on the East Coast Road (ECR) as well as Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).

By Air

Nearest airport: Chennai

By Rail

Nearest railhead: Chennai

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