History of the place

Sage Pundareeka was performing penance at Mamallapuram sea region which was once dense with forests. The sage wanted to place the louts flowers from the nearby pond to Lord in Vaikundam, but the sea obstructed his march. The sage tried emptying the sea, but in vain. When he pleaded to the Lord to help him, the Lord appeared before him as an aged man and asked about the sage's mission. As the old man was hungry, the Sage handed over his flower basket and went to bring food. Before he returned, Perumal wore all the flowers on His Thirumeni (body) and was in His reclining posture on Aadhisesha. The sage begged the Lord to allow him at His feet. As the Lord gave darshan in His reclining position, He is praised as Sthala Sayan (reclining) Perumal.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasaasanam (hymns) by Thirumangai Azhwar and Bhoodathazhawar. This is the 64nd temple in the list of 108 divya desams.

Speciality of this temple

The Lord Perumal is in teaching posture, with His hand on His chest called Upadesa (teaching) Mudra. The vimana is of Kanakakruthi style. Sage Pundareeka had the darshan of Lord in this place. It is believed that worshipping Sthala Sayana Peruma means worshipping Perumal in His Vaikundam itself directly. Avatar land of Boodhathazhwar.

Pariharam

Majority of the devotees pray for the removal of obstacles in their wedding.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform special abisheka to Lord and offer vastras.