Raja Gopala Swami Temple - Manimangalam

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram in the Tamil Nadu state of India, is a historical gem. It witnessed the grand battle between Chalukya King Pulikesi and Pallava King Narasimha Pallava in the 7th century CE. This locality also boasts a collection of ancient temples, including the exquisite Raja Gopala Swami Temple, which we shall explore in this article.

Highlights:

• God - Raja Gopala Swami 
• Goddess - Chenkamala Valli
• 1000 years old Chola period temple
• Inscriptions of 11th century and 12th century CE are found in the temple
• Five niche (Koshta) images on the exterior walls of sanctum similar to typical Shiva temple, which is unique for a Vishnu temple
• Ganesha and Durga as Koshta icons in a Vishnu temple
• The presiding deity holds conch instead of discus on his upper right arm
• More than 7 feet tall gigantic image of Raja Gopala Swami 

If you reside in the vicinity of Chennai and have not yet had the privilege of visiting the resplendent Raja Gopala Swami Temple in Manimangalam, consider yourself unfortunate. This temple, a masterpiece of artistic and architectural beauty, remains tragically undiscovered, even overshadowing the slightly more renowned Dharmeswar Temple in Manimangalam.

Temple Layout:

This east-facing temple eschews the traditional Gopura entrance, yet its allure remains undiminished. Each of its three Vimanas boasts exceptional charm. The temple's sprawling 1.25-acre expanse provides ample open space around the sanctum.

The sanctum faces east and cradles the imposing seven-foot-tall icon of Raja Gopala Swami, a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. His countenance exudes unparalleled beauty. The deity stands in an upright position, with a conch gracing his right upper arm and a discus in his left. This arrangement, with the conch on the right, is a unique feature; typically, the discus occupies this position. The mace clutched in his left lower arm, the lower right arm extended in abhaya mudra, and his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi adorning either side of him—all in upright postures.

The sanctum also shelters the utsav images of Raja Gopala Swami and his consorts, Chenkamala Valli and Andal.

Within the inner prakara lies a captivating secret, one that no visitor should overlook. Unlike most Vishnu temples, the exterior walls of this temple are graced with five niche (Koshta) images —Ganesha, two Chakra Prayoga Murtis, Paramapada Nathar, and Durga. The presence of Ganesha and Durga as Koshta icons in a Vishnu temple is a unique distinction. Above these niche images, you'll discover miniature relief carvings of Dakshinamurti, Nardana Krishna, Yoga Narasimha, Kalingana Nardana Krishna, and a Vishnu seated in Padmasana posture. Notably, even the miniature Vishnu image clutches a conch in his right arm, echoing the presiding deity. While Dakshinamurti typically doesn't appear within Vishnu temples, here, his likeness decorates the Vimanas—a rarity in itself.

An icon of Hanuman graces a designated area within the temple. The maha mandapa is adorned with beautifully rounded pillars and walls etched with inscriptions. The Ardha mandapa houses utsav images of select Alwars, Vishwaksena, and Ramanuja. The primary shrine rests upon an elevated platform.

The outer prakara features an expansive open space. This area is home to shrines dedicated to the Goddess Chenkamala Valli and Andal, both showcasing enchanting images. The entrances to these shrines are adorned with mural paintings. Dwarapalas manifest as mural paintings at the main shrine's entrance.

The Vimana of Raja Gopala Swami, artistically splendid, finds its counterparts in the Vimanas of the Goddesses—equally enticing. The Garuda sub-shrine, bali peetha, flagstaff, and deepa stambha all face the main shrine.

Of particular interest is a window adorned with a sculpture depicting the battle between Vali and Sugreeva. A substantial bell graces the temple's premises.

The temple's majestic aura is preserved by imposing fortress-like compound walls that encircle the entire site. The temple's entrance boasts two serpent sculptures.

In close proximity to the temple, an open pillared mandap awaits. Beyond this lies a sub-shrine dedicated to Hanuman, who faces the temple's entrance. This temple harmoniously coexists with its rural surroundings, nestled among trees and traditional tiled-roof houses with inviting thinnais (verandas).

Belief:

The temple is revered as a Parihara Sthalam, offering solace to those afflicted by eye-related ailments.

History:

The temple houses a wealth of stone inscriptions, inscribed in both Tamil and Sanskrit. Some date back to the 11th century CE, while others hail from the 12th and 13th centuries CE. Notably, an inscription references a grant from Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola to this temple. Another inscription records a grant from Kulotunga Chola I. Additional inscriptions commemorate Vikrama Chola, Raja Raja Chola II, Raja Raja Chola III, and Jatavarma Sundara Pandya, among others.

The temple is also steeped in the history of renowned saint Ramanuja, believed to have visited this sacred site.

Happy travelling.