Tirukadalmallai – Sthalasayana Perumal Temple at Mahabalipuram
Divya Desam 63 of 108 | Region: Tondai Nadu
Tirukadalmallai, located in the coastal heritage village of Mahabalipuram, is a revered Divya Desam glorifying the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple, known for its spiritual significance and stunning seaside location, is also referred to as the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Sthalasayana Perumal (in a reclining posture)
- Thayar: Nilamangai Thayar
- Theertham: Pundarika Pushkarini
- Vimanam: Gaganakriti Vimanam
This temple is one of the few where the Lord is in a reclining pose on the ground, symbolizing divine compassion reaching down to earthly devotees.
Sacred Legend
The sthala purana narrates the story of Pundarika Maharshi, a sage determined to worship Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers. While trying to clear the ocean waters to reach the divine, the Lord appeared before him as an old man seeking alms. When the sage returned with food, he was blessed with the darsan of the Lord in the Anantha Sayanam (cosmic reclining posture), beautifully adorned with the sage’s lotus flowers.
Thus, the place came to be known as Sthalasayanam – the holy resting place.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: 1088–1107, 1195, 1551, 2050, 2060, 2673 (73), 2674 (120)
- Bhoothathazhwar: 2251
(As referenced in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham)
Festivals & Worship
The Maasi Makham festival is a major celebration here, drawing devotees from across Tamil Nadu and beyond, especially because of the proximity to the sea, where sacred theerthavari (holy bath) rituals are conducted.
Travel with Purpose – SouthGuru Holidays
Explore the ancient spiritual shores of Mahabalipuram with a visit to Tirukadalmallai. SouthGuru Holidays curates enriching heritage tours covering the Divya Desams in and around Chennai and Kanchipuram.
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