Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple,
Mamallapuram – The Temple
The temple is located in Mahabalipuram,
a historic town on the outskirts of Chennai.
The temple is located close to Arjuna's Penance, the most famous landmark of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
The temple is also believed to be the birthplace of Bhoothatazhwar,
the 2nd Azhwar,
the poet saints of 7th - 9th centuries. There is an
unfinished Rajagopuram at the entrance with only granite basement. The granite
base of the entrance is studded with sculptures.
The temple has a another five-tiered Rajagopuram built
during 15 - 16th Century after the unfinished Rajagopuram. There is
a newly built Mandapam before this five-tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple covers
an area of about 4 acres. There are two precincts inside the temple with the
sanctum is located axial to the main gate and approached through a Dwajastambam, Bali
Peetam (sacrificial altar), Deepa Sthambam (altar for lamps) and
Garuda Mandapam.
The sanctum houses the image of Sthalasayana Perumal,
the presiding deity, in reclining posture (Bhujanga Sayanam) facing east
towards sea. The image is sported with Ahvahanahasta, which indicates beckoning
devotees to him. The front two hands rests on Bhoomi and points towards his
Lotus feet. While the lord’s right rear arm rest under his head and the left
arm is in rising position as if to call the devotees.
Here, Lord Vishnu appears in a simple form without
Adisesha, Shanga (conch) and Chakram (discus), as he appeared in this Divya Desam to appreciate the rishi’s devotion and not to save or protect his devotee
(rishi) from any evil or demon. Pundarika Maha Rishi is seen with folded arms
in the sanctum sanctorum by the lotus feet of the lord. The image of Pundarika
Maharishi is seen in standing posture. The Vimana (tower) above the sanctum
sanctorum is of Kanakakruthi (Ananda) style.
The processional deity, namely Ulaguyya Nindran, sported
with four arms, is housed in the sanctum. Procession deity appears with a lotus
bud in his hand as if offering it at the feet of Lord. Lord in his teaching
posture, is holding his Hand on the chest, called Upadesa Mudra. This is the only
Divya Desam where the Utsava deity has a Lotus flower in his hand. There is an
east facing shrine to the right of sanctum for Lakshmi,
the consort of Perumal, in the form of Nilamangai Thayar. Mother is sitting on
the floor (instead of sitting on lotus as seen in other temples).
There are shrines for Andal, Lakshmi
Narasimha, Bhoothatazhwar, Rama with Seetha Devi & Lakshmana, Lakshmi
Narasimha and Azhwars in the first precinct around the sanctum. There is a
shrine for Hanuman opposite
to the shrine of Rama. All the metal idols of the temple are found in a
separate shrine near the main shrine.
There is a four pillared hall, with sculpted pillars in
front of the temple, was designed for Dolothsavam (swing festival). The temple
tank is located outside the temple and is called Pundarika Pushkarini. It has a
small pillared mandapa in its centre. Garuda Nadhi is another Theertham
associated with this Temple. Sthala Vriksham is Punnai Tree.
