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Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

The Arulmigu Ulagalantha Perumal Temple located in the Kallakurichi district was built between the 6th and 9th century AD. This temple finds mention in old Tamil literature which dates to the period 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams. The Temple follows the Thenkalai Sampradayam. The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya prabandham, the 7th-9th century Vaishnava canon, by poigai Azhwar, Bhoothatazhwar, Pey Azhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The image of Lord Vishnu, carved in Tharu wood (Daruka Shilpa) is about 17 feet high in the Maha Sannidhi and based on the Bhagavata Purana.Moolavar (main idol) holds the conch in his right hand and the chakra on his left hand and measures the world with his raised right foot. Brahma is worshipping the right foot. Goddess Lakshmi is close by. Namuchi the grandson of Bali is worshipping the foot on the ground. This form is known as Trivikraman Perumal. Goddess Lakshmi is called as Pushpavalli Thayar or Poongothai Thayar and is installed in a separate shrine.

Timings

6.00 AM -12.00 PM AND 4.00 PM - 8.00 PM

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. Lord Vishnu takes the Avatar of Vamana and seeks three feet of land from the king Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlad, who had dethroned Indra and usurped his powers. Bali agrees to donate the land. 
  2. Vamana shows his true form and covers the earth in one step and covers the space in the second step. Bali, understanding that his ruling has come to an end, offers his head as the space for the third step. 
  3. This vision has been captured in the image of Lord Vishnu in Tirukoilur. In one hand he can be seen showing two fingers stretched, while questioning Bali about the third step in the other. His right leg can be seen stretched to cover the sky or the entire universe.
  4. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas,a chieftain of Cholas, Ranakesari Raman is said to have built the Garbhagriha, Sukanasi and Mahamantapam in stone along with five Gopurams.
  5. Later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks.
  6. The temple covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2) and has a temple tower that is the third tallest in Tamil Nadu, measuring 192 ft (59 m) in height.
  7. King Vira Rajendra Chola developed the temple complex further, states another inscription. 



Pallava Dynasty: Inscriptions from the reign of Pallava king Nandivarman II (7th-8th century CE) mention the temple, suggesting its existence during this period. The Pallavas were known for their patronage of Hinduism and might have contributed to the temple's early structure.

Alvar Saints: The temple finds mention in the works of the Alvar saints, particularly the early Alvar saints like Pey Alvar, Bhoothathalvar, and Poigai Alvar, indicating the temple's importance as a Vaishnava pilgrimage site during the 6th-9th centuries CE.

Later Renovations: The temple complex has likely seen additions and renovations over the centuries. The current structure is believed to be a combination of contributions from various dynasties like the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to the Temple.
  2. Incase of any information needed contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  3. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  4. You need to concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  5. Everyone should maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra to yourself inside the temple.
  6. Need to observe ancient customs and traditions while in Temple.
  7. Everyone needs to respect religious sentiments at the Temple.


  1. Smoking is also strictly prohibited.
  2. Do not Point your feet or touch the statues with your feet. This is considered disrespectful.
  3. Photography is restricted in some areas.
  4. Dispose of waste materials properly in designated bins.
  5. Do not rush in crowds
  6. Don not use mobile phones



Dress Code

Ladies are suggested to wear only sarees, chudidhar, and Kurtis and for Men Dhotis, shirts are preferred and trousers and short dresses should be avoided. These rules are applicable to foreigners also.


How to reach

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BY BUS:

The distance between Chennai koyambedu bus stand and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Villupuram is 161 km and it should take approximately 3 hours 42 mins to get there by bus or car.


BY AIR:

The distance between Chennai international airport and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Villupuram is 145 km and it should take approximately 2 hours 12 mins to get there by train or bus.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is situated in the city of Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu. The city is located on the southern bank of the Penna River .

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GCN Museum: This museum houses a collection of artefacts and sculptures depicting the region's history and culture.

Jain Temple: This intricately carved Jain temple is a fine example of Jain architecture.