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Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is among the 108 divya desams of SriVaishnavas and is a part of the tondai nadu divya desams. This temple is the 63rd Divyadesam and this place is also known as Thirukadal Mallai. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built by Pallavas, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, and Madurai Nayaks.

Timings

7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 3.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is among the 108 divya desams of SriVaishnavas and is a part of the tondai nadu divya desams. 
  2. This temple is the 63rd Divyadesam and this place is also known as Thirukadal Mallai. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built by Pallavas, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, and Madurai Nayaks. 
  3. This is the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and dates back to 1000 years. 
  4. The Perumal found in this sthalam is Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal. He is found in Kidantha kolam in bhujanga sayanam (sleeping) and facing his thirumugham towards the East direction along the sea.
  5. This sthalam, Thirukadalmallai is also called as “Mahabalipuram” and “Mamallapuram”.
  6. The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is one of the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but unlike others that are maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the temple is administered and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 1:



  1. Once the Sage Pundareeka was performing penance at Mahabalipuram.  
  2. He saw lotus flowers in a tank nearby and wanted them to be placed at the feet of Lord Narayana in the Milk Ocean-Thiruparkadal.  
  3. He collected 1,008 flowers and in his intensity, he scooped out water also in full.
  4. Picking up the flowers, he proceeded to Tiruparkadal but the sea obstructed his march.  
  5. To make way, he began to dry the sea by removing the water day and night.  
  6. This went on for years.  
  7. Tired, he cried “Oh Lord Parandhama, if I am your true devotee, let the sea dry and make way for me and till such time I reach you these flowers should not fade off.”  
  8. His mind was completely set on the Lord.  
  9. Perumal appeared before him as an aged man.
  10. The old man asked the sage to get him food as he was hungry.  
  11. He also advised him to stop his impossible task and do something worthwhile.  
  12. The sage asked the old man to hold his flower basket and wait till he brought food for him saying that he was determined to see Perumal in Thiruparkadal, place the flowers at his feet and would not rest till then.  
  13. The sage went to bring food for the old man.  
  14. Before he returned, Perumal wore all the flowers on his Thirumeni – body – and was in his reclining posture.  
  15. It was a pleasant shock for the sage to see his Lord and begged his pardon for making him carry the flower basket and also begged to allow him at his feet.
  16. As Lord gave darshan in his reclining position, he is praised as Sthala Sayana (reclining) Perumal. 
  17. Pundareeka Maharishi is also there in the sanctum sanctorum with the folded hands at the feet of the ALMIGHTY.
  18. As per another story, king Harikesarivarman was visiting the Lord at Thiruvidanthai temple daily from Mahabalipuram. And impressed with his devotion, the Lord himself settled here as Sthalasayana Perumal.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to the Temple.
  2. Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  3. Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  5. Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Do maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra to yourself inside the temple.
  7. Do observe ancient customs and traditions while in the Temple.
  8. Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  9. Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.


  1. Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke at Temple.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  4. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  5. Do not approach mediators for quick Darshan. It may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  7. Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  8. Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  9. Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  10. Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.


Dress Code

  1. Men: Wear a dhoti or veshti; if wearing Western clothes, ensure they are modest.
  2. Women: Wear a saree or salwar kameez; avoid revealing clothing.


How to reach

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By Air

The nearest airport is Chennai, about 60 kilometres from the temple. People can drive down from the airport to the temple.


By Rail

The nearest railway station is in Chengalpattu, about 30 kilometres away, while Chennai, a very busy railway station, is about 56 kilometres away.


By Road

People can travel comfortably by buses and private vehicles to Mahabalipuram from Chennai city or places like Puducherry (Pondicherry).


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Nearby Rivers:


Palar River:



The Palar River flows about 30 kilometres to the north of Mahabalipuram. It is one of the significant rivers in Tamil Nadu and provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes.


Cheyyar River:



The Cheyyar River, a tributary of the Palar River, is located further inland, to the west of Mahabalipuram.


Cooum River:



Located to the north, the Cooum River flows through Chennai before it meets the Bay of Bengal. Though not very close to Mahabalipuram, it is a notable river in the region.


Adyar River:



Also situated north of Mahabalipuram, the Adyar River flows through Chennai and empties into the Bay of Bengal.


Nearby Cities:


Chennai:

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is approximately 56 kilometres north of Mahabalipuram. It is the largest city in the region and a major cultural, economic, and educational hub.


Kanchipuram:

Kanchipuram, a historic city known for its temples and silk weaving, is around 70 kilometres to the west of Mahabalipuram.


Pondicherry (Puducherry):

The Union Territory of Puducherry, known for its French colonial architecture and beaches, is about 96 kilometres to the south of Mahabalipuram.


Thirukazhukundram:

This small town, famous for its ancient Vedagiriswarar Temple, is located about 16 kilometres west of Mahabalipuram.


Chengalpattu:

Chengalpattu is another nearby town, approximately 30 kilometres to the northwest of Mahabalipuram. It is an important railway junction and administrative centre.