DivyaDesam– Lord Vishnu | One of the DivyaDesamVishnuSthalam |
Region | Thondai Naadu |
Thondai Naadu | 8thVishnuSthalam |
HISTORY:
Sri
Ulagalanda Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. This
is one of the oldest temples located on east side of Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
of Kanchi. The temple inscription reveals that it was built during the regime
of Chola Dynasty. The main idol of Lord Trivikrama is 35ft and there are sannidhis
dedicated to Karakathan, Oorakathan, Neerakathan and Karvanathan within the
temple premise.
Lord
Vishnu is normally seen in one of the three postures- Standing, Sitting or
Sleeping posture. From that point, the Ulagalantha Perumal at Ooragam is no different.
However, while he is seen standing facing west, this is no simple standing
posture of the Lord. This unique posture of the Lord is detailed below in this
story that relates to Lord Vishnu’s Vaamana Avataaram.
Lord
Vishnu who took the Narasimha Avataaram to kill Hiranyakashipu, the father of
Prahalada then took the Vaamana Avataaram, the first avataaram of Lord Vishnu
as a human being, to subdue the demon king MahaBali, the grandson of Prahalada,
and to restore Indra’s power back to him.
King
Bali had conquered almost the entire world and had gained such power that he
seemed irresistible. Indra looked up to Lord Vishnu to protect him from Bali
and his fast expansion.
Disguising
himself as a dwarf Brahmin, Lord Vishnu attends a Yaagam undertaken by king
Bali. Pleased with his presence, Bali greeted the Brahmain and asked him what
he could give from his huge empire.
Brahmin
that he was and contended with what he had, the dwarf asked Bali for just 3
feet of land. Bali’s Guru, the knowledgeable and shrewd Sukraachaarya, who knew
the intention behind the Brahmin’s visit, advised the King against giving him
the 3 feet of land.
MahaBali,
who was a great devotee of Vishnu, was also known for his upkeep of Dharma.
Having asked the Brahmin what he wanted and having promised him to give
whatever he wanted, MahaBali would not go back on his word, even if something
negative were to happen to him. And hence he readily agreed to part with the 3
feet of land.
The
Vaamana measured the entire earth and sky with one step and the heaven with his
2nd step. And having covered the entire universe with just 2 steps, there was
no place left for the third step.
When
asked where he could place his 3rd step, King Bali asked the Lord to place it
on him. And with this, Lord Vishnu placed his foot on King Bali’s head sending
him into the nether world, thus marking bringing to end the purpose of his
Avataaram.
Bali,
who was thus crushed, wanted 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 Ulagalana Perumal (the one who measured the entire universe).
Having been reduced to a normal human being in the nether world, Bali was not
able to see the full manifestation of Lord Vishnu in this gigantic form. Hence,
it is believed that the Lord appeared once again before Bali in a smaller form
at this place as the serpent lord Aadiseshan.
Emperuman
has manifested in the form of Anandan (popularly known as Adhiseshan, the five
headed snake) in this temple. He is present in a seperate sannidhi next to
Ulagalandha perumal in Thiru Ooragam. Ooragam signifies snake and lord Vishnu
gave dharshan to Mahabali as the serpent lord, this place came to be called
Ooragam and the lord is called Ooragathan.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Ulagalandhaperumal |
|
Ambal |
Sri Amuthavalli |
|
Theertham |
Sesha Theertham |
It
is believed that this Lord fulfils the prayers of unwedded girls and childless
couples.
There
are two major festivals celebrated in the temple - Brahmotsavam during
the Tamil month of Thai (January - February) and
Vamana Jayanthi during the Tamil month of Avani (August - September)
on Sravanam star.
HOW
TO REACH:
The
temple is on the way to Sri Kamakshi Amman temple from Kancheepuram bus stand.
This temple lies between Kancheepuram bus stand Sri Kamakshi temple.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Ulagalanda Perumal
Thirukkoil,
Thiruooragam,
Kancheepuram,
Tamil Nadu - 631502.
LOCATION:
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