Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple , Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram)
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📍 Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 60th Divya Desam at Mahabalipuram is the seaside birthplace of Boothathalvar, where Lord Vishnu reclined directly upon the bare sand to bless Sage Pundarika who attempted to bail out the ocean with his bare hands.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal (Sthala Sayanam on Bare Ground)
Moolavar: Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal (Kidantha Kolam / Reclining on bare ground facing East with right hand resting on chest, without Adisesha); Utsavar: Ulaguyya Nindraan; Thayar: Nilamangai Thayar; Vimanam: Gaganakruthi Vimanam; Theertham: Pundarika Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: Sage Pundarika, Sage Agastya, Boothathalvar.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal (Sthala Sayanam on Bare Ground)
Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
5, S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
The Lord appeared as an old ascetic requesting food from Sage Pundarika, and then reclined directly on the dry land wearing the sage's lotuses.
Offering lotus flowers to the reclining moolavar and worshipping at the birthplace shrine of Bhoothathalvar.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple , Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram)
Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple in Thiru Kadalmalai (the historic UNESCO World Heritage port town of Mahabalipuram, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu) is the 60th Divya Desam. It was praised in 27 pasurams by Thirumangai Alvar and Boothathalvar. This sanctum is universally venerated as the holy Avathara Sthalam of Boothathalvar, the second among the Mudal Alvars, who appeared from a golden flower in the local pushkarini.
The temple is renowned for the touching devotion of Sage Pundarika. Desiring to offer rare golden thousand-petal lotuses directly to Lord Vishnu in the Milk Ocean, Pundarika began bailing out the massive waters of the Bay of Bengal with his bare hands! Day and night for years, the sage persevered. Moved by his innocent, boundless love, Lord Vishnu appeared disguised as an old, hungry pilgrim and asked for food. When Pundarika rushed to fetch meals, the Lord drained the ocean shore and lay down directly upon the bare sandy earth (Sthala Sayanam), wearing the golden lotuses upon His body. When the sage returned and saw the Lord reclining on the ground without His serpent bed, he wept in ecstatic joy.
Uniquely, the Moolavar reclines directly on the ground without Adisesha, holding His right hand lovingly placed upon His heart (Upadesha Mudra).
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Pallava and Vijayanagara Architecture (Pallava coastal period (7th–8th century CE); rebuilt inland by Vijayanagara king Parankusa (14th cen)
Gaganakriti Vimanam, five-tier Rajagopuram, Pundarika Pushkarini, granite mandapam carved with lion pillars.
Bhoothathalvar avatara sannadhi and the ancient stone relief of Sage Pundarika offering flowers.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special avatara festival for Bhoothathalvar on Aippasi Avittam.
Masi Magam festival with coastal procession to the shore of the Bay of Bengal for the ceremonial sea bath.
Ven Pongal, Puliyodarai, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic wear: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Level stone praharams with ramp at temple entryway; easily accessible for elderly devotees and wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal (Sthala Sayanam on Bare Ground)
Nilamangai Thayar Sannidhi, Boothathalvar Avathara Sannidhi (Birthplace Shrine), Sage Pundarika Sannidhi, Lord Sri Rama Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram), Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
5, S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
How to Reach
Chennai International Airport (MAA) (approx 55 km)
Chengalpattu Junction (CGL) (approx 29 km)
Mahabalipuram Bus Stand (approx 0.3 km)
