Thirukadal Mallai

108 Divya Desams, Chengalpet Taluk

God

Sthalasayana Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Nilamangai Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Garuda, Aandal, Azhwars

Thirukadal Mallai is a large temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram in the east. Remnants of a large gateway are seen further ahead before the Rajagopuram. A tall mantapa is seen outside in the road. Thirukadal Mallai has two Prakarams. A temple tank is present south-east of the temple in the road going to the Shore Temple. The main deity is seen in a reclining pose called Bujanga Sayanam, one of the 9 reclining postures of Lord Vishnu. The processional deity is Ulaguyya Nindra Perumal in standing posture with a lotus bud in his hand. This is the birthplace of Boodathazhwar.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Pundareega Pushkarini, Garuda Nadhi (river), Sea

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum)

Vimaanam – Gaganakruti Vimaanam

History

Thirumangai Azhwar and Boodathazhwar (c. 7-9th century CE) have rendered Managalasaasanam for the lord here at Thirukadal Mallai. Manavala Mamunigal (1370–1450 CE) has also visited and sung hymns for the lord here. Thirukadal Mallai temple is said to have been originally built by the Pallavas, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings and Madurai Nayaks.

Legend

Boodathazhwar is believed to have divinely born here. Sage Pundareega came here and picked Lotus buds from the nearby pond to offer to the lord and found the ocean in his way. He attempted to clear the water with his hands. Amused the lord took the form of an old man and asked for food. When the sage was away to get food he took the flowers, wore them as a garland and gave darshan to him.

Directions

Thirukadal Mallai is about 43 kilometers east of Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai. The temple is inside the town and adjacent to the Bus Stand.

Stay and Food

Mahabalipuram has good restaurants. The old Mamalla Bhavan adjacent to the Bus Stand is a nice place to eat.

108 Divya Desams

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples