Description
One of the oldest temples of south India, The Mahabalipuram Thirukadalmalai Sthalasayana Perumal Vishnu Temple is the heritage of Tamilnadu. People believe that this Vishnu temple was built during the reign of the Pallavas. Many festivals are held every year in this temple where visitors from all over the country join in.
History
According to a Hindu myth, once a priest by the name of Pundarika, was performing reparation by worshipping Vishnu in this place. He collected some Tamarasa flowers and gathered them to view Vishnu in the appearance of Ksirabdhi Natha, his position in Tirupaarkadal. He collected a total of 1,008 flowers. Vishnu appeared in camouflage taking the form of a sage and asked him for some food. The sage went to get food for the man, but while he was on the way, he found that Vishnu was lingering there. Since Vishnu stayed there, he was named as Sthalasayana Perumal.
Importance/Significance
The temple is believed to have a rich history. It is built intraditional architectural style. This small temple is majorly devoted to Lord Sthalasayana and Nilamangai Thayaar. The special Shrine has been built for Lord Narasimha. You can find the architectural style which is similar to that of the Pallavas, as the temple was built by a Pallava king. People believe that there are many things that serve as proof regarding the existence of Vishnu in and around the temple. This famous temple also attracts thousands of visitors who wish to visit the birth place of Vishnu.
Facts/Mythology
As the temple was built during the reign of the Pallava Kings, it is believed that there are many well-known as well as unheard of facts that exist within the history of this temple. This is also believed to be the birthplace of Bhoothathazhwar. Some thousands of years before, Bhoothathazhwar was found in a tank nearby.An old book named Divyadesam holds the mythological history of this temple. It was believed that there were seven temples that were constructed at the time the temple was being built, which all looked identical; they were all destroyed, excluding this one. The book also says that the temple was located close to the seashore. However, one of the kings moved the temple from its original location.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
In this shrine, pujas are performed during almost every festival that is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu. On a daily basis, 6 times a day, priests of the temple worship Lord Vishnu. Besides during the time of festivals, rituals are performed in this temple on a weekly, forthrightly and on a monthly basis.In every festival prasadam like Pulliyodharai (tamarind rice), pongal, Dadhyonam (curd rice), sweets are prepared to be distributed among the visitors. Massi Makham is one of the biggest festivals that are celebrated in this temple. Bhoothathazhwar Avata Utsava which is known as the birth anniversary of Bhoothathazhwar is also celebrated during the Tamil month. Pilgrims from all over the state of Tamil Nadu, as well as from the other states of India come to visit the temple, to seek the blessings of the Lord and participate in the festivals, which are celebrated here on a grand scale.
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