Located in the temple town of Kancheepuram, considered one of the 108 'divyadeshams' of Lord Vishnu is the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. The temple celebrates the divinity of Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Vamana. This temple is said to be built by the Pallavas and was later contributed mostly by the Chola dynasties, Vijayanagar Kings and Madurai Nayakars. The temple has various inscriptions from these eras. Some of the inscriptions indicate the visit of Kulothunga Chola to the temple. Inscriptions record the giving of gifts by later Cholas as well as Sambuvarayar rulers. The temple is praised in the Divya Prabandha, the Tamil compilation of verses of the Azvar saints.

Location TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

Legend

Fearing King Mahabali's growing power and popularity, on request of Indra Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, the dwarf brahmin to vanquish Bali. Vamana asked Bali for 3 feet of land and the King granted it. Vamana measured the entire earth and sky with one step and the heaven with his 2nd. There was no place left for the third step, when King Bali,bowed his head and asked the Lord to place it on him. As the Lord pushed him into the nether world, Bali requested to see the full form of the Lord who measured the entire world. Answering his prayers, Lord is said to have appeared before Bali at this place as Ulagalantha Perumal (the one who measured the entire universe)

This temple is part of Kanchipuram Divya Desam Yatra.

Architecture

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is built in a Dravidian style of structure and has a three-tiered temple tower with seven Kalasams (a pot like structure). Colourful sculptures adorn the towers. The unique aspect of the temple is the stunning deity of Thrivikraman, 35 feet in height with his right leg parallel to the ground, placed on the head of the demon King Mahabali. The two left hand fingers of Lord is stretched out, which indicates that he took two steps and one finger of His right hand refers to the question that Lord posted to the demon king

Picture courtesy: "Ulagalantha-perumal1" by Nsmohan at en.wikipedia.

Culture

Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.

Darsan Info

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple timings : 7.00 AM - 12.00 PM and 4.00 PM - 8.00 PM

The temple also houses four other Divya Desams namely Thirukkarvaanam, Thirukaaragam, Thiruooragam and Thiruneeragam.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

January - Brahmotsavam (Jan/Feb)

April - Chariot festival (March/April)

August - Vamana Jayanti(Aug/Sept)

Temple Rituals

At Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, the temple rituals are performed six times a day with each ritual having three step: alangaram, neivethanam and deepa aradanai.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Ulagalantha Perumal Temple :-

Hotel Saravan Bhavan

Sakthi Ganapathi

Hotel Srinivasa

 Supermarket : Available