Thirukadalmallai Temple, also known as Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, is one of the best temples in Mahabalipuram. Being a UNESCO site, the temple is among the 32 Groups of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
The temple is believed to be built by the Pallavas and later renovated by rulers like the Medieval Cholas, the Kings of Vijayanagara and the Madurai Nayaks. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Nilamangai Thayar.
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Legend Behind The Temple
The temple's existence has an interesting story behind it. Legend has it that sage Pundarika was performing a penance here to please Lord Vishnu. He collected Tamarasa flowers to offer them to Lord Vishnu as it was the Lord's favourite flower. The penance was to see Lord Vishnu in Ksirabdhi Natha form, like the posture seen in Thirupaarkadal, an ocean mentioned in Hindu mythology.
Travel To The Historical Town Of Mahabalipuram
As the sage was involved in bringing flowers, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the form of an aged man. The old man asked for food and Pundarika went in search of food. It is said that the old man stayed in the same place till the sage returned, thus the deity here is named 'Sthalasayana Perumal'.
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Some Interesting Info About The Temple
The temple is built using Dravidian style of architecture. It is believed that the place was called Ezhu Kovil Nagaram or the Seven Temple City as there were seven temples in the region. Unfortunately, except the Thirukadalmallai Temple, the other six temples were washed away by the sea.
Road-Trip From Chennai To Mahabalipuram
How To Reach The Temple
The Thirukadalmallai Temple is located in the city of Mahabalipuram, which is around 50 km away from Chennai. The nearest railway station and airport to the temple are in Chennai.
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Other Temples In Mahabalipuram
There are several other temples in Mahabalipuram. Some of them are the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, the Karukathamman Temple, the Lord Shiva Temple, the Jagannath Temple and the Karappakam Shivan Temple.
Travel to the pilgrim destination of Mahabalipuram and explore the temples here that can take you to a rich past of the place, throwing light on the magnificent architecture that existed here centuries back.