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Location:
Maamallapuram
near Chennai
(Chola Naadu)
Vishnu: Stalasayana Perumal (Vishnu),
Taayaar: Nilamangai Taayaar
Theertham:Pundarika Pushkarini
Paasuram :Tirumangaialwar, Bhootattalwar
Vimaanam:Gaganakriti (Ananda) Vimanam
Travel Base: Chennai
Description This Divyadesam
is located in the coastal resort town and historic center Mamallapuram
or Mahabalipuram, at a distance of 64 km from Chennai. It is an ancient
temple dating back to the Pallava period, now thoroughly renovated. Also
in Mahabalipuram are the famous Pallava relics of the Shore Temple (shown
above), the five Pandava Rathams, and the portrayal of the descent of
the Ganges. Tourist attractions in the vicinity of Mamallapuram include
the Vedantangal bird sanctuary and the Tirukkazhunkunram hill
temple (Shivastalam). The Tiruvidandai Divyadesam
is also located near Mamallapuram.
Mamallapuram is the
birthplace of Bhootattalwar, one of the earliest of the Alwars.
Deities:
The Moolavar here is Stalasayana Perumaal in a reclining posture facing
east. An image of Pundarika Muni is also housed in the sanctum. Taayaar
here is Nilamangaittaayaar (in a separate sanctum). Utsavar here is Stalasayanatturaivaar.
There are shrines to Andal and Rama also.
Legend has it that
Pundarika Muni, armed with a basket laden with flowers proceeded eastward,
to worship Vishnu as KsheeraptiNathan (the lord of the milky ocean); in
his devotional fervour, attempted to drain the waters of the ocean to
reach his goal. Vishnu appeared in front of him as an aged devotee and
the devout rishi proceded to find a means to feed him, and in the meanwhile,
Vishnu provided him with a vision of the grand Anantasayanam at the same
spot, adorned with flowers from the saint's basket, and hence the name
Stalasayana Perumaal. Legend has it that one of the Pallava rulers here
was turned into a crocodile in the temple tank; upon gripping the leg
of the blessed Pundarika rishi, his curse is believed to have been lifted.
The Temple:
The Telugu rulers of Chandragiri have provided for the construction of
this temple. This temple underwent renovation in the 19th century and
it covers an area of about 4 acres.
Festivals:
Two worship services are carried out each day. The annual Maasi Magham
festival sees thousands of devotees bathing in the sea nearby.
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