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Malai Mandala Perumal Temple

The Malai Mandala Perumal Temple, also called the Girivardaraja Perumal Temple, is an ancient Lord Vishnu temple. It is situated in Sathurangapattinam Village near Kalpakkam in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is about 15 kilometres south of Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam and a few kilometres past Kalpakkam.

Timings

Opens from 6.00 am to 8.30 pm

Entry Fee

Free of ost

The temple, believed to have been built in 850 AD, is closely linked to Vijayanagara history. An inscription on a stone at the Gopuram entrance shows its ancient origins. Unfortunately, the temple does not have a Rajagopuram. It is built on a higher level, so visitors must climb steps to reach the sanctum. Interestingly, the crown of Lord Vishnu and the head of Garuda are aligned in a straight line. Because the temple is on a hill, Lord Vishnu is called Malai (hill) Mandala Perumal.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect Religious Customs: Observe and respect the religious customs and traditions practised at the temple. Follow appropriate dress codes, behaviour, and rituals while visiting.
  2. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to any guidelines or rules provided by temple authorities, such as photography restrictions, designated pathways, or areas where footwear should be removed.
  3. Support Preservation Efforts: Contribute to preservation efforts through donations, volunteering, or participating in organised activities aimed at maintaining the temple and its surroundings.
  4. Learn and Appreciate: Take the time to learn about the history, architecture, and significance of the temple. Appreciate its cultural and spiritual value to the community.
  5. Be Mindful of Environment: Help maintain cleanliness and environmental hygiene around the temple premises. Dispose of waste properly and avoid littering.
  1. Disrespect Religious Symbols: Avoid touching or disturbing religious symbols, statues, or artefacts within the temple premises without permission.
  2. Cause Damage: Refrain from causing any damage to the temple structure, surrounding landscape, or any property belonging to the temple.
  3. Disrupt Rituals: Avoid disrupting ongoing rituals or ceremonies taking place at the temple. Maintain silence and reverence in designated prayer areas.
  4. Engage in Inappropriate Behaviour: Refrain from engaging in behaviour that is disrespectful, offensive, or disruptive to other visitors or the sanctity of the temple.
  5. Ignore Safety Guidelines: Do not disregard safety guidelines or warnings provided by temple authorities. Be cautious when navigating uneven terrain or staircases within the temple complex.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Dhoti: A traditional white dhoti (veshti) is preferred.
  2. Shirt or Upper Cloth: Some temples prefer men to wear an upper cloth or shawl along with the dhoti. Avoid wearing shirts inside the inner sanctum.
  3. Pants and Shirt: If a dhoti is not available, wearing full pants and a shirt might be acceptable in some temples, but it’s always best to check in advance.
  4. Footwear: Footwear should be removed before entering the temple premises.

For Women:

  1. Sari: A traditional sari is preferred.
  2. Salwar Kameez: A salwar kameez with a dupatta (scarf) is also acceptable.
  3. Churidar: Women can also wear churidar suits.
  4. Avoid Western Attire: Skirts, jeans, and other western attire are generally not allowed.

How to reach

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  1. By Train: Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station to Kanchipuram is Chennai Central. From there, you can take a train to Kanchipuram Railway Station. After reaching Kanchipuram Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the temple.
  2. By Air: Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach Kanchipuram.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Palar River:

 Description: The Palar River originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 348 kilometres long.

 Significance: The river is a vital water source for irrigation and drinking purposes in the region. Historically, the Palar River basin has supported agriculture and sustained communities along its banks.

  1. Cheyyar River:

 Description: The Cheyyar River, also known as the Cheyyāru, is a tributary of the Palar River. It flows through the northern part of Tamil Nadu.

 Significance: The river plays an essential role in the agricultural activities of the surrounding areas. It also has historical and religious significance, with several temples situated along its course.

Cities:

  1. Kanchipuram:

 Description: Known as the "City of Thousand Temples," Kanchipuram is one of the most ancient cities in India, renowned for its historical and religious significance.

 Significance: Kanchipuram is famous for its temples dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. It is also a major centre for silk weaving, producing some of the finest silk sarees in the country. The city is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and spirituality, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

  1. Chennai:

 Description: Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest metropolitan cities in India. It is located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal.

 Significance: Chennai is a major cultural, economic, and educational centre. The city boasts a rich colonial history, with landmarks such as Fort St. George and Marina Beach. Chennai is also known for its diverse cultural scene, including classical music, dance, and Tamil cinema.