Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Thirukadalmallai

Thirukadalmallai

Short Overview:

The temple Thirukadalmallai had been dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pallava King built the temple to safeguard the sculptures from corrosion and destruction due to the ocean waves. Records state that, after building the temple, the remaining temple grounds remained preserved from harm by the sea. In the diary of Govinda dasa, with its foundation threaded in mythological lores and tales of devotional zeal, Thirukadalmallai is mesmerizingly beautiful. Surrounded by a canopy of evergreen shrubs and trees. There are a number of tiny villages settled near the temple where you can pick up unique handicrafts and antiques.

Long Overview:

Thirukadalmallai Temple is built by the Pallava King at Mahabalipuram to protect the sculptures from the waves of the ocean. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, known as Valavendai Gnanapiran. It is also popular for its Adivaraha shrine near the seashore. After the completion of the temple, the remaining structure was preserved so that it does not get corroded by sea. The temple is also called Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and is considered as one of 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. 

This temple is visited by a number of tourists during the festival of Maasi Makham. This temple is a Divya Desam, a Vishnu temple that features in the work of the Tamil Azhvars. It has a tapering roof that stands tall against the sky.  From the temple grounds, you can hear the sea lapping against the shore if the sound of nearby traffic is quiet enough, known to its devotees as Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. Yet another Pallavan architectural marvel. Thiruadalmallai has two separate shrines, one dedicated to Lord Sthalasayana Perumal and Nilamangai Thayaar and the other to Lord Narasimha.

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