Mahabalipuram is well known for its ancient temples most of which are not in regular use. This is the Birth place of the great Bhoothath alwar who was the mace of Lord Vishnu and this temple is one of the few places where the perumal is in lying posture on the ground and not on Adisesha.
How to reach:
In mahabalipuram ask for the bus stand and the temple is right behind it. It is in front of the arjuna’s penance rock sculpture.The entry into the temple is though a half built Motta gopuram
Legend:
The lord gave darshanam here at the behest of Pundarika Rishi who wanted to see him. This temple was built by Mahendra pallava inside the town unlike the other temples on the beach to prevent it from being submerged by the sea. There was another perumal temple here as also a Shiva temple which are now submerged under the sea.The king built this temple without adisesha so that the lord will lie down on Ground which will prevent the sea from washing him away!
As you enter there is a single praharam with the gurbagruham housing a large pallikonda perumal sleeping on a stone bed. The face has become so smooth over the years the eyes and lips are almost worn out. The
The outer praharam has a shrine for Lord Lakshmi narasimha who is facing the south to prevent the enemies of the pallava king from entering the capital. There is a separate shrine for Bhoothath alwar who is standing in the yoga nindra pose with hands showing the dhyana mudhra. There is a separate shrine for Mahalakshmi and Andal behind.
A nice temple and a divyadesam so close to Chennai!!
18/2/22 pics sent by Dr.Balamurugsn after a visit yesterday The priest also informed him it's a stone carved perumal not wood(athi maram)or sudai (masonry)
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