Monday, September 30, 2019

Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, Mamallapuram – Literary Mention

Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, Mamallapuram – Literary Mention
There are many references to the place from Sangam Literature from third century AD. This temple has been referred to in the Sangam period Tamil work Pathupattu. The temple is referred to in the old text, Divya Prabandha. This text is the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD.  This town is also believed to be the birthplace of Bhoothatazhwar, the 2nd Azhwar. The temple is referred in the works of seventh century works of Bhoothath Azhwar and eighth century works of Thirumangai Azhwar.
The glory of Lord Sthala Sayana Perumal is sung by Saints Thirumangai Azhwar and Bhoothatazhwar in their Mangalasasanam hymns. Thirumangai Alwar sung 26 (1088- 1107, 1195, 1551, 2050, 2060, 2673, 2674) Pasurams and Bhoothath Azhwar sung 1 Paasuram (2251). Thiru Mangai Azhwar in his Periya Thirumozhi (1103) refers to the ships carrying gold and gems on the shores of Kadal Mallai, where the Lord is seen in a Sayana Kolam.
Excerpt from Thirumangai Azhwar Paasuram:
புலன் கொள் நிதிக் குவையோடு, புழைக் கை மா களிற்று இனமும்
நலம் கொள் நவமணிக் குவையும் சுமந்து, எங்கும் நான்று ஒசித்து
காலங்கள் இயங்கும் மல்லைகடல்மல்லைத் தலசயனம்கலங்கொள் மனத்தார் அவரை வலங்கொள் என் மட நெஞ்சே