Ulagalantha Perumal Temple: A Divyadesam Shrine
The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram is an important Divyadesam shrine dedicated to God Vishnu. It is glorified in the verses of the Azhwars, particularly Tirumangai and Thirumaḻisai Azhwars, in their devotional hymns. The temple is unique for housing four distinct Divyadesam shrines within its premises, each considered a separate temple. In this temple God Vishnu also appeared as Adishesha (giant serpent0,. Childless couples come her for his blessings to have a baby.
The Myth of Vishnu’s Vishvarupam
At the heart of the temple is the impressive stone image of Ulagalantha Perumal, representing Vishnu in his Vishwaroopam (universal form) during his Vamana avatar. This form is intricately linked to the story of Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin who subdued the ego of King Mahabali. The massive image of Vishnu stands over 35 feet (11 meters) tall. His left leg is raised at a right angle to the body and parallel to the ground, while his right leg is placed on Mahabali’s head. Vishnu’s two fingers on his left hand symbolize the two steps he took to measure the earth and heaven, while his right hand points to the sky, representing the question posed to Mahabali about where to place the third step.
The Vamana avatar aimed to teach the otherwise benevolent King Mahabali a lesson in humility. After Vamana took two steps to cover heaven and earth, Mahabali, without hesitation, offered his head for the third step. This mythological event is closely linked to the Onam festival in Kerala, celebrated in honor of Mahabali’s surrender and devotion.
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| Giant Vishnu with stretched leg tamil.samayam.com |
Above image:Ulagalantha Perumal Temple Kanchipuram , A massive image on the tower depicting Maha Vishnu's Vishwaroopam. . King Mahabali showing the lord to put the 3rrd stride on his head to fulfil his grant to the sage (Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu).. First step lord covered the sky, 2nd step lord coved the earth. Lord Vishnu appreciated his humility and finally gave him salvation.........
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| Ulagalantha Perumal Temple Kanchipuram,TN /thetempleguru.com |
Unique Pooja Protocols
The temple follows unique rituals and pooja protocols, with six daily rituals and numerous yearly festivals. An interesting tradition in the temple is closely linked to the three strides of the Vamana avatar. Each ritual includes three essential steps:
- Alangaram (decoration)
- Neivethanam (food offering)
- Deepa Aradanai (lamp offering)
These rituals are performed for both Ulagalantha Perumal and his consort, Amuthavalli. During the final step of worship, traditional musical instruments like the nagaswaram (pipe) and tavil (percussion) are played, Vedic hymns are recited by priests, and devotees prostrate themselves before the temple’s Dwajasthambam (flag mast).
The Four Divyadesam Shrines
The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple has the rare distinction of containing four Divyadesam shrines within its complex:
1. Tiruürakam
This smaller shrine is dedicated to Adishesha, the serpent god. According to tradition, when Mahabali was at the feet of Vamana, he could not view Vishnu’s Vishvarupam. He requested the deity to appear in a smaller form, to which Vishnu obliged by appearing as a snake. The shrine is particularly frequented by childless couples seeking blessings for offspring.
2. Tirukkaragam
Located in the temple’s third precinct, this shrine is dedicated to Karunakara Perumal, seated on Adishesha, with his consort, Padmamani Nachiyar. The temple is connected to the legend of Sage Garga, who performed penance here and gained spiritual knowledge. The temple tank is known as Agraya Tirtham, and the vimana is called Vamana Vimanam or Ramaya Vimanam.
3. Tirukkaravanam
Situated in the second precinct, this shrine is dedicated to Kalvar, with his consort Kamalvalli Thayar. The associated temple tanks are Gauri Tatakam and Taratara Tatakam, and the vimana is called Puskala Vimana.
4. Tiruneerakam
Unlike the other shrines, Tiruneerakam does not have a presiding deity but houses the festival image of Jagadishvara, who faces east and has four arms. The water body associated with this shrine is Akrura Tirtham, and the vimana is called Jagadishvara Vimanam. According to legend, Vishnu revealed himself to a sage as a child resting on a banyan leaf.
Conclusion
The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple stands as a testament to the rich mythological and religious traditions of Tamil Nadu. With its massive image of Vishnu in Vishvarupam, unique pooja protocols, and the inclusion of four Divyadesam shrines within its premises, the temple remains a significant spiritual destination for devotees of Vishnu. The close association with the Vamana avatar and its connection to Kerala’s Onam festival further highlight the temple’s cultural importance across regions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulagalantha_Perumal_Temple,_Kanchipuram
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