Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple / Thirukadalmallai, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 100 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, also known as Thirukadalmallai, is a revered site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed by the Pallavas, with subsequent enhancements made by the Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagara kings, and the Madurai Nayaks. The temple is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil scripture composed by the Alvar saints during the 6th to 9th centuries CE. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal, alongside his consort Lakshmi, known as Nilamangai Thayar.

This temple is also regarded as the birthplace of the Vaishnava Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar, one of the twelve Alvars in the Vaishnavite tradition. He is believed to be the incarnation of Kaumodaki, the mace of Lord Vishnu. The temple is part of the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike other sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, this temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Pundarika. The legend recounts that while performing penance to worship Vishnu at this location, sage Pundarika gathered Tamarasa flowers to offer in order to witness Vishnu in his Ksirabdhi Natha form, which represents his posture in the Ocean of Milk. He collected 1,008 flowers and, in his fervor, also scooped out water. Vishnu, disguised as a sage, approached him and requested food. When the sage went to procure food for the old man, he discovered that Vishnu had remained in the same spot. Consequently, Vishnu became known as Sthalasayana Perumal, a narrative that is further exalted by Bhoothathalvar in his verses within the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.

Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has a seven tiered rajagopuram built during 15-16th century, and comprises two precincts. The entrance's granite base is adorned with intricate sculptures. Within the sanctum lies the figure of Sthalasayana Perumal in a reclining position, alongside the standing image of Pundarika Maharishi. The processional deity, Ulaguyyaninran, depicted with four arms, is also enshrined in the sanctum. A separate shrine is dedicated to Nilamangai Thayar, while the first precinct surrounding the sanctum includes shrines for Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha, Bhoothath Alvar, Rama, and various Alvars. The temple tank, known as Pundarika Pushkarani, is situated outside the temple grounds.

The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple hosts numerous festivals, including the Avatara festival of Bhoothath Azhwar during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November), Maasi Magam (February-March), and Vaikunda Ekadasi.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 8.30 PM

Entry: Free