Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple - Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, Mallai, or Mahabs, carries different names based on personal preferences and traditions. This heritage-rich town boasts over 30 remarkable monuments, ranging from monumental relief panels and rock-cut shrines to cave temples and structural temples. It served as a creative playground for Pallava sculptors in the 7th and 8th centuries, showcasing many of the finest masterpieces of sculpture. A trip to Tamil Nadu feels incomplete without experiencing the splendor of Mallai. However, this article moves beyond the artistic grandeur of Mallai’s monuments to highlight a sacred site—the Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple. The temple features numerous intricate bas-relief carvings that often go unnoticed.
Sthala Sayana Perumal is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples revered by the Alwars. In this article, I will delve into every aspect of this revered shrine, including its legends, history, layout, architecture, and sculptures.
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Introduction
Legend
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Highlights
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History
The earliest reference to the presiding deity of this temple appears in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, where Bhoothath Alwar and Tirumangai Alwar have sung in praise of the deities. Based on historical analysis rather than Vaishnava tradition, the Alwars are believed to have lived in the 7th century CE. Since two Alwars composed hymns about this site, it is evident that the temple existed during their time. Furthermore, the temple likely gained prominence well before the Alwars' period. However, whether the temple was initially constructed of wood or if only the deities' sculptures existed without a formal structure remains unclear. The original temple might have been built by the Pallavas or rulers from other dynasties of the region. It is also plausible that the Alwars initially revered Jala Sayana Perumal in the shore temple, and the temple was later relocated to its current site.
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Inscriptions, along with the temple’s architectural and iconographic styles, suggest that the current structure dates back to the 15th or 16th century CE. The oldest inscription, from the 12th regnal year of Ko Parakesarivarman (likely Vikrama Chola) around 1130 CE, indicates that the Cholas may have constructed the temple here due to the sea’s gradual erosion of the Jala Sayana Perumal temple. The temple may have been expanded or rebuilt by the Vijayanagara rulers. This Chola-era inscription records a grant made to the deity.
An inscription on the northern wall mentions Dalavay Tirumalai Nayaka, who granted the village of Kunnattur to Sthalasayana Perumal during the reign of Sri Rangaraya I in the 1570s. Another inscription, from the time of Varma Rangaraja, records a land donation in Chedirayanellore to the deity. On the southern wall, an inscription describes a gift of twelve madas to priests for lighting a lamp during the reign of Tribhuvanachakravarti. Another notable inscription from the same wall, dating to the time of Soomukaharayen, records that the people of Mahabalipuram and twelve surrounding villages declared the lands of Sthalasayana Perumal to be rent-free. Although the exact identity of this king is uncertain, these records align with the Vijayanagara era in the late 1500s to early 1600s.
According to a belief, when Mamallapuram faced the threat of floods, devotees carried the utsava murti (processional icon) of Lakshmi Narasimha from the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple to protect it. Unsure of where to go, they noticed a Garuda flying in the sky. Following its lead, they arrived at a village now known as Pon Vilainda Kalathur and enshrined Lakshmi Narasimha in the temple there.
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Layout, Architecture and Iconography
The east-facing temple features a mottai gopuram (an incomplete tower) that stands only up to its base. To the east of the gopuram lies a stretch of land that has now become a road. On either side of this road, there are two tall, four-pillared mandapas, which were once part of the temple complex. The road, along with the adjoining bus stand, was originally within the temple premises. The mandapa near the mottai gopuram is used for the Dolotsavam (swing festival).
Upon entering through the mottai gopuram, a fully constructed, five-tiered gopuram is encountered.
The sanctum, facing east, houses the four-armed Vishnu in a reclining posture. Unusually, instead of reclining on his traditional Sesha Naga, he is depicted lying on the ground. One hand holds the earth, while the other is raised in Upadesa Mudra, resting on his chest. This unique form is called Sthala Sayana Perumal. Unlike the usual depiction of Brahma on Vishnu's navel and Sree Devi and Bhoo Devi near his feet, this sanctum features Pundarika Rishi standing near his feet.
The sanctum also has metal icons of Ulaguiya Vandaan Vishnu, accompanied by his two consorts. Uniquely, Vishnu holds a lotus in one of his hands.
The Goddess of the temple, Nila Mangai Thayar, is enshrined in a separate, south-facing shrine. Unlike the traditional depiction of the Goddess seated on a lotus, she is seated directly on the ground, aligning with her Tamil name.
In the Maha Mandapa, there is a south-facing shrine for Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. Across from it is a shrine for Hanuman, depicted in Anjali Mudra.
Adjacent to Rama's shrine are sub-shrines dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha and the twelve Alwars, along with Visvaksena, Ramanuja, and Manavala Mamuni. Bhoothath Alwar, as this temple marks his birthplace, has a separate shrine. Andal, beautifully depicted, is housed in her own shrine within the mandapa.
A tall dwajastambha (flagpole), bali peeta, and Garuda are located in front of the main shrine. An old deepa stambha (lamp post) is also present near the flagpole.
The Mukha Mandapa leads to the Maha mandapa and then to the sanctum. The vimana is a two-tiered rectangular Sala Vimana with simple base walls .
The temple’s architecture, particularly its pillars, pilasters, mandapas, and towers, showcases the iconography and style of the Vijayanagara period. The carvings on the pillars include depictions of Narasimha, scenes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and other Vaishnavite themes.
Outside the temple lies the sacred tank, Pundarika Pushkarani. At the center of the tank, there is a small, pillared mandapa, enhancing its beauty and significance.
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Pasurams
Pasuram # 1 - 10
Pasuram Reference 2.5 1088:
Long ago, when the world faced a great cataclysm, the Lord consumed the entire universe, safeguarded it within His stomach, and later released it, appearing as a radiant coral pillar.
He is the one who churned nectar from the milky ocean and vanquished Kesi, the mighty horse sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna, by thrusting His hand into the horse's mouth and tearing it apart.
He is my Lord, dwelling in the hearts of His devotees, spreading sweetness like divine sugarcane. As the fierce lion, He shattered the tusks of a war elephant sent by Kamsa and, in His radiant, golden, mountain-like form as a child, freed two cursed beings trapped as Marudha trees by dragging a grinding stone through them.
In His boundless compassion, when a crocodile seized the leg of a devout elephant gathering flowers for worship, He swiftly arrived on Garuda. Responding to the elephant’s desperate cry of “Aadi Moolame!” (Primal Source!), He rescued it. Like the divine wish-fulfilling Kalpaka tree, He grants all that is sought.
I beheld this magnificent Lord reclining at the sacred Kadalmallai (Mamallapuram) Thalasayanam!
Pasuram Reference 2.5 1089:
பூண்டு அவத்தம் பிறர்க்கு அடைந்து தொண்டு பட்டு
பொய்ந் நூலை மெய்ந் நூல் என்று என்றும் ஓதி
மாண்டு அவத்தம் போகாதே வம்மின் எந்தை
என் வணங்கப்படுவானை கணங்கள் ஏத்தும்
நீண்ட வத்தை கரு முகிலை எம்மான்-தன்னை
நின்றவூர் நித்திலத்தை தொத்து ஆர் சோலைக்
காண்டவத்தைக் கனல் எரிவாய்ப் பெய்வித்தானைக்
கண்டது நான்-கடல்மல்லைத் தலசயனத்தே
Do not waste your life by embracing meaningless pursuits, seeking refuge in others, serving them aimlessly, considering worthless books as true scriptures, and constantly reading them in vain. In the end, do not perish without purpose.
Come! Let us worship the one who is my father, who is revered by people like me, and who is praised and worshipped collectively by the wise.
He is like a dark raincloud with long arms that reach out to those in need and blesses them. He is my Lord, the precious gem of mine, residing in the sacred shrine of Tiruninravur.
When King Swetaketu performed yagnas for years, the sacrificial fire consumed the ghee offered into it without satiation. After the completion of the yagna, Brahma addressed Agni's insatiable hunger by declaring, "Khandavana forest is yours to consume!" As Agni began burning the forest, Indra caused rain to prevent the fire. Agni sought refuge with Krishna, pleading for help. Following this, Krishna enabled Agni to devour the lush forest filled with trees, plants, and flowers by creating an intense fire and overpowering Indra's rain.
I beheld this Lord, who made fire rain in Khandavana forest, reclining at the sacred Kadalmallai (Mahabalipuram) Thalasayanam!
Note: Another holy site named Tiruninravur is mentioned in this pasuram.
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Pasuram Reference 2.5 1090:
உடம்பு உருவில் மூன்று ஒன்றாய் மூர்த்தி வேறாய்
உலகு உய்ய நின்றானை
அன்று பேய்ச்சி விடம் பருகு வித்தகனைக்
கன்று மேய்த்து விளையாட வல்லானை வரை மீ கானில்
தடம் பருகு கருமுகிலைத் தஞ்சைக் கோயில்
தவநெறிக்கு ஓர் பெரு நெறியை வையம் காக்கும்
கடும் பரி மேல் கற்கியை நான் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே
Brahma, Shiva, and Indra—though appearing as three separate deities, they are but one entity, taking different forms to create, destroy, and preserve the universe.
He is the enigmatic one who, in the past, defeated the Putana—sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna—by drinking the poisoned milk from her breasts. He is the skillful one who herded cows and calves, playing joyfully with them. When calves in a mountain forest hesitated to drink water from a pond out of fear, He tied His hands behind His back and drank water with His mouth to teach them how, resembling a dark raincloud.
He resides in the grand temple of Thanjavur Mamani Kovil. As a guide for meditation, He shows that the best path to attain Him is through unwavering devotion to Him.
I saw Kalki, the incarnation destined to ride a swift horse to protect the world, surrounded by fragrant groves, reclining at the sacred Kadalmallai (Mahabalipuram) Thalasayanam!
Note: Another holy site named Mamani Kovil from Thanjavur is mentioned in this pasuram.
Pasuram Reference 2.5 1091:
பேய்த் தாயை முலை உண்ட பிள்ளை தன்னைப்
பிணை மருப்பின் கருங்களிற்றைப் பிணை மான் நோக்கின்
ஆய்த்தாயர் தயிர் வெண்ணை அமர்ந்த கோவை
அந்தணர் தம் அமுதத்தைக் குரவை முன்னே கோத்தானை
குடம் ஆடு கூத்தன் தன்னைக்
கோகுலங்கள் தளராமல் குன்றம் ஏந்திக் காத்தானை
எம்மானைக் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
He is the child Krishna, who, like a baby consuming poisoned milk from the breasts of the Putana sent by Kamsa in the form of a mother, took her life. He is the sweet little elephant calf, with tusks growing, like a joyous companion.
He is the beautiful cowherd, born in a clan of cowherds with eyes as enchanting as a doe, whose butter, churned by His mother Yashoda, He relished with great desire, and is as sweet as nectar to the Brahmins.
He is the playful child who danced with the girls in the village, holding their hands with innocence, and He is the one who performed the graceful dance of the earthen pots, balancing them on His head and hands, making sure none of the pots fell while dancing.
He is the Lord who, when Indra commanded worship from His devotees, stopped it and directed them to offer their worship at Mount Govardhan. In His anger, Indra sent a furious storm with thunder and lightning, but Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Mountain like a mere pot, shielding all the people of Gokul.
I beheld this Lord of mine, surrounded by fragrant groves, reclining at the sacred Kadalmallai (Mahabalipuram) Thalasayanam!
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Pasuram Reference 2.5 1092:
பாய்ந்தானைத் திரி சகடம் பாறி வீழப்
பாலகனாய் ஆல் இலையில் பள்ளி இன்பம் ஏய்ந்தானை
இலங்கு ஒளி சேர் மணிக் குன்று அன்ன
ஈர் இரண்டு மால் வரை தோள் எம்மான் தன்னை
தோய்ந்தானை நிலமகள் தோள் தூதில் சென்று
அப்பொய் அறைவாய்ப் புகப் பெய்த மல்லர் மங்கக் காய்ந்தானை
எம்மானைக் கண்டுகொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
The one who kicked the rotating cart wheel with his foot, causing it to shatter and fall apart.
The one who, as a child, lay joyfully on a banyan leaf.
The one who shines like a radiant, lustrous mountain of gemstones.
The one with four great shoulders, strong like mountains.
My Lord, the one who is my God.
The one embraced by the Earth Goddess (Bhoomadevi).
The one who, as a messenger for the Pandavas, sat on that deceitful seat (and fell into the hidden chamber),
And in his wrath, destroyed the mighty warriors within.
I have seen my Lord.
In the sacred site of Thirukkadalmallai, surrounded by fragrant flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees, I have witnessed him.
Pasuram Reference 2.5 1093:
கிடந்தானைத் தடங்கடலுள் பணங்கள் மேவிக்
கிளர் பொறிய மறி திரிய அதனின் பின்னே படர்ந்தானைப்
படு மதத்த களிற்றின் கொம்பு பறித்தானைப்
பார் இடத்தை எயிறு கீற இடந்தானை
வளை மருப்பின் ஏனம் ஆகி
இரு நிலனும் பெரு விசும்பும் எய்தா வண்ணம் கடந்தானை
எம்மானைக் கண்டுகொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
The one who reclined under the many hoods of the serpent Adisesha in the vast ocean of milk.
The one who ran after a spotted deer fawn as it leapt ahead of him.
The one who snapped the tusk of a frenzied male elephant intoxicated with pride.
The one who pierced the earth with his boar’s tusk and lifted it.
The one who, as a boar with curved tusks, carried the great earth along with the vast heavens,
And measured and surpassed them, growing beyond all limits as if to say, "This is not enough."
I have seen my Lord.
In the sacred site of Thirukkadalmallai, surrounded by fragrant flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees, I have witnessed him.
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Pasuram Reference 2.5 1094:
பேணாத வலி அரக்கர் மெலிய அன்று
பெருவரைத் தோள் இற நெரித்து அன்று அவுணர் கோனைப்
பூண் ஆகம் பிளவு எடுத்த போர் வல்லானைப்
பொரு கடலுள் துயில் அமர்ந்த புள் ஊர்தியை
ஊண் ஆகப் பேய் முலை நஞ்சு உண்டான் தன்னை
உள்ளுவார் உள்ளத்தே உறைகின்றானை
காணாது திரி தருவேன் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கட மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
I wandered in search of Him, unseen and elusive, and now I have found Him—in the sacred land of Kadalmallai, surrounded by fragrant flowers, creepers, and trees.
He is the one who vanquished the mighty Asura who would not yield, the one who broke the mighty mountain-shouldered foe, the one who tore apart the chest adorned with jewels of the Asura king (Hiranyakashipu) in a fierce battle.
He rests like one sleeping on the vast ocean with waves crashing around, bearing Garuda as his divine vehicle. He consumed the deadly poison smeared on the Putana's breast as food, and He resides in the hearts of those who think of Him.
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Pasuram Reference 2.5 1095:
பெண் ஆகி இன் அமுதம் வஞ்சித்தானைப்
பிறை எயிற்று அன்று அடல் அரியாய்ப் பெருகினானை
தண் ஆர்ந்த வார் புனல் சூழ் மெய்யம் என்னும்
தட வரை மேல் கிடந்தானைப் பணங்கள் மேவி
எண்ணாணை எண் இறந்த புகழினானை
இலங்கு ஒளி சேர் அரவிந்தம் போன்று நீண்ட கண்ணானைக்
கண் ஆரக் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
I saw Him, the one who took the form of a woman and tricked the sweet nectar from the Asuras without sharing it. He, with crescent-shaped sharp teeth, grew strong as Narasimha, breaking the pillars. He who is surrounded by cool, sacred rivers, reaching the highest point, the great mountain called Thirumeyyam, and the one who rests beneath the heads of the serpent Adishesha.
He is the one who resides in the hearts of those filled with love, the one who is beyond measure in glory, the one with long eyes like a radiant lotus, a brilliant light. I have found Him in the sacred land of Kadalmallai, surrounded by fragrant flowers, creepers, and trees.
Note: Tirumeiyam, another holy site, is mentioned in this Pasuram.
Pasuram Reference 2.5 1096:
தொண்டு ஆயார் தாம் பரவும் அடியினானைப்
படி கடந்த தாளாளர்க்கு ஆளாய் உய்தல் விண்டானை
தென் இலங்கை அரக்கர் வேந்தை
விலங்கு உண்ண வழங்கைவாய்ச் சரங்கள் ஆண்டு
பண்டு ஆய வேதங்கள் நான்கும்
ஐந்து வேள்விகளும் கேள்வியோடு அங்கம் ஆறும் கண்டானைத்
தொண்டனேன் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
கடி பொழில் சூழ் கடல்மல்லைத் தல சயனத்தே!
With beautiful, flower-like feet adored by devotees filled with love, He, who spanned the entire world in just two steps, spared the sinner Ravana, the king of Rakshasas in Lanka, located in the southern part of India. Yet, He destroyed Ravana with arrows from His right hand, leaving him as prey for animals.
I have witnessed Him who is well-versed in the ancient four Vedas—Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. He embodies the five Yajnas:
- Brahma Yajna: Recitation of the Vedas,
- Deva Yajna: Offering food in the sacrificial fire,
- Bhuta Yajna: Feeding dogs, cats, and crows,
- Pitru Yajna: Honoring ancestors with offerings,
- Manushya Yajna: Feeding guests and offering charity.
He is proficient in the Dharmashastras and the six Vedangas—Shiksha (phonetics), Vyakarana (grammar), Chandas (meter), Nirukta (etymology), Jyotisha (astronomy), and Kalpa (rituals).
I, His humble devotee, have seen Him! In the reclining posture at the holy site of Thalasayanam, surrounded by fragrant groves in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram!
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Pasuram Reference 2.5 1097:
பட நாகத்து அணைக் கிடந்து அன்று அவுணர் கோனைப்
பட வெகுண்டு இடை போய் பழன வேலித்
தடம் ஆர்ந்த கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்துத்
தாமரைக் கண் துயில் அமர்ந்த தலைவன் தன்னைக்
கடம் ஆரும் கருங்களிறு வல்லான்
வெல் போர்க் கலிகன்றி ஒலி செய்த இன்பப்பாடல்
திடம் ஆக இவை ஐந்தும் ஐந்தும் வல்லார்
தீவினையை முதல் அரிய வல்லார் தாமே!
Lying atop the mighty serpent Adisesha, whose immense form is as soft as a cushion, He is the one who once emerged from a pillar in the fierce form of Narasimha to destroy the Asura king Hiranyakashipu.
When Krishna was a child, Yashoda tied Him to a mortar, accusing Him of stealing and eating butter. As He crawled, dragging the mortar behind Him, He passed between two Arjuna trees, causing them to break apart, thus freeing the two celestial beings who had once been cursed by Narada to exist as trees.
In the sacred site of Thalasayanam in Mahabalipuram, surrounded by lush green fields and abundant water bodies, my Lord reclines in deep slumber, His lotus-like eyes gently closed.
He, who is skilled enough to tame a wild and mighty black elephant, is also the one who grants victory in battle. Those who, like me, recite with devotion the ten divine verses sung by Thirumangai Azhwar in praise of Him, will have all their sins, born of evil deeds, completely uprooted.
Pasuram # 11 - 20
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1098:
We will not even think for a moment about those who do not think of our dear God, who resides in the cool and pleasant place of Mahabalipuram, the Thalasayana of the ocean city.
He is the same Lord who, to prevent the nectar churned from the milky ocean from falling into the hands of the wicked Asuras, took the enchanting form of the beautiful Mohini and mesmerized everyone, ensuring that the nectar was given only to the Devas.
Bhudevi, the young and virtuous goddess who is our very own Mother Earth, and Sridevi, also known as Mahalakshmi, who gracefully sits on a beautiful and cool lotus flower, reside on either side of Neer Vannan, the Lord whose is formless yet takes any shape. He desires, just as water takes the shape of the vessel it is poured into. That is why He is called Neer Vannan. Bhudevi dwells on His left, and Sridevi on His right, both ever meditating upon Him.
The place where such a great Lord resides is the ancient sea city of Mahabalipuram, where the vast ocean spreads like a blue-hued cloud. Whoever holds unwavering devotion toward Him, they shall indeed rule over us!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1100:
ஏனத்தின் உருவு ஆகி
நில மங்கை எழில் கொண்டான்
வானத்தில் அவர் முறையால்
மகிழ்ந்து ஏத்தி வலம் கொள்ள
கானத்தின் கடல் மல்லைத்
தல சயனத்து உறைகின்ற
ஞானத்தின் ஒளி உருவை
நினைவார் என் நாயகரே!
Long ago, in a distant age, the Asura Hiranyaksha, the brother of Hiranyakashipu, lifted the Earth effortlessly and submerged it deep beneath the ocean. To rescue Bhudevi without diminishing her beauty, the Supreme Lord took the form of a mighty boar with curved tusks, pierced the waters, and lifted her back with His horns.
He, who is the radiant embodiment of all knowledge, resides in the sacred ocean city of Mahabalipuram, in the heart of the forest, where celestial beings, following their divine customs, joyfully worship Him and circumambulate Him in reverence. Those who meditate upon Him—he alone is my true leader!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1101:
விண்டாரை வென்று ஆவி
விலங்கு உண்ண மெல்லியலார்
கொண்டாடும் மல் அகலம்
அழல் ஏற வெம் சமத்துக்
கண்டாரை கடல் மல்லைத்
தல சயனத்து உறைவாரைக்
கொண்டாடும் நெஞ்சு உடையார்
அவர் எங்கள் குல தெய்வமே!
He who vanquished his foes, leaving their bodies for the beasts to devour,
He whose mighty chest, celebrated by gentle women,
Bore the fierce heat of blazing weapons in battle,
He who resides in the ocean city of Thalasayanam in Mahabalipuram—
Whoever holds a heart that rejoices in Him,
They are indeed our family deity!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1102:
பிச்சச் சிறு பீலிச்
சமண் குண்டர் முதலாயோர்
விச்சைக்கு இறை என்னும்
அவ் இறையைப் பணியாதே
கச்சிக் கிடந்தவன் ஊர்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனம்
நச்சித் தொழுவாரை
நச்சு என் தன் நல் நெஞ்சே!
The lowly Jain ascetics, who carry small peacock feathers, worship a deity of their own. But do not bow to that deity. Instead, seek the Lord who reclines in Kanchipuram and grants darshan. O my good heart, cherish those who revere Him at Thalasayana Perumal Temple in Kadalmallai (Mahabalipuram)!
Note: Kanchipuram Yadhotakari, another Divya Desam, is mentioned in this Pasuram.
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1103:
புலன் கொள் நிதிக் குவையோடு
புழைக் கை மா களிற்று இனமும்
நலம் கொள் நவமணிக் குவையும்
சுமந்து எங்கும் நான்று ஒசிந்து
கலங்கள் இயங்கும் மல்லைக்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனம்
வலங்கொள் மனத்தார் அவரை
வலங்கொள் என் மட நெஞ்சே!
With heaps of precious riches that captivate the five senses,
With mighty elephants bearing large, perforated trunks,
With dazzling clusters of nine gems that enchant the mind,
Swaying under their weight, moving everywhere,
In the grand seaport where ships sail across the vast ocean,
Resides Thalasayana Perumal of Kadalmallai (Mahabalipuram).
O my ignorant heart, follow those who circumambulate Him with devotion!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1104:
பஞ்சிச் சிறு கூழை
உரு ஆகி மருவாத
வஞ்சப் பெண் நஞ்சு உண்ட
அண்ணல் முன் நண்ணாத
கஞ்சைக் கடந்தவன் ஊர்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனம்
நெஞ்சில் தொழுவாரைத்
தொழுவாய் என் தூய் நெஞ்சே!
With soft, delicate hands and a body adorned with fine curls like cotton,
My beloved Lord drank the poisoned milk
From the deceitful, merciless Putana.
He later waged war and vanquished
The cruel Kamsa, his sworn enemy.
His sacred abode is Mahabalipuram,
Where Thalasayana Perumal reclines gracefully.
O my pure heart, worship those
Who devoutly revere Him with love!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1105:
செழு நீர் மலர்க் கமலம்
திரை உந்த வன் பகட்டால்
உழு நீர் வயல் உழவர் உழ
பின் முன் பிழைத்து எழுந்த
கழு நீர் கடி கமழும்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனம்
தொழு நீர் மனத்து அவரைத்
தொழுவாய் என் தூய் நெஞ்சே!
As farmers plow their fields with oxen,
The waves of water push and toss
The lotus flowers back and forth,
Until they escape and rise to the surface.
In the fragrant, beautiful land of Mahabalipuram,
Lies the sacred Thalasayana Perumal Temple,
Where the Lord reclines upon the earth.
O my pure heart, bow in reverence
To those who worship Him with devotion!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1106:
பிணங்கள் இடு காடு அதனுள்
நடமாடு பிஞ்ஞகனோடு
இணங்கு திருச் சக்கரத்து
எம் பெருமானார்க்கு இடம்
விசும்பில் கணங்கள் இயங்கும் மல்லைக்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனம்
வணங்கும் மனத்தார் அவரை
வணங்கு என் தன் மட நெஞ்சே!
To the Lord who gracefully dances in the cremation ground,
And to the divine one who holds the sacred discus in hand,
Sharing His right side with love for Lord Shiva—
His abode is the glorious Mahabalipuram,
Where even the celestials in the sky worship in reverence.
There, in the sacred Thalasayana Perumal Temple,
He reclines upon the earth in divine splendor.
O my ignorant heart, bow in devotion
To those who worship Him with love!
Pasuram Reference 2.6 1107:
கடி கமழும் நெடு மறுகின்
கடல் மல்லைத் தல சயனத்து
அடிகள் அடியே நினையும்
அடியவர்கள் தம் அடியான்
வடி கொள் நெடு வேல் வலவன்
கலிகன்றி ஒலி வல்லார்
முடி கொள் நெடு மன்னவர் தம்
முதல்வர் முதல் ஆவாரே!
In the grand street near Mahabalipuram Beach,
Where the air is filled with a divine fragrance,
Lies Thalasayana Perumal, reclining in splendor.
To the devoted souls who think only of His sacred feet,
And to the humble servant of those devotees—
The mighty Thirumangai Azhwar,
Who wields a sharp spear and excels in battle—
Those who recite his verses with love
Shall stand as leaders among kings
Who adorn their heads with grand crowns!
Pasuram # 21
The sweet young bees embrace the fragrant Senbakam flowers,
But, overwhelmed with ecstasy, they leave them behind
And settle on the tender coconut fronds, laden with pollen.
O Lord who once reclined in the vast, sacred ocean,
Where conches drift upon its swirling waves,
And in the divine land of Thirukadalmallai!
Now, with boundless compassion, You have entered my heart.
If You ever think of leaving—
I challenge You to try!
O Lord of glorious Tiruvali!
Note: Another Divya Desam, Tiruvali is also referred to.
Pasuram # 22
Oh, the One who tore apart Bakasura’s mouth—whom I call the Holy One in my abode!
You reside within me, bringing peace to my heart, O the Incomparable One!
O Deceiver! O the Supreme Blissful One who reclines in Thirukkadalmallai!
O Generous One! How can I ever forget you?
Pasuram # 23
Pasuram # 24
Pasuram # 25
The great Tanjai Maamani Kovil that resides in the hearts of devotees, the glorious Thiruvarangam, Thiruthankaal, the beautiful Thirumalai where devotees meditate, the divine Ocean of Milk, Thirukadalmallai that devotees contemplate upon, Thirukovalur, and Thirukudanthai surrounded by sacred walls—
All these sacred places are said to be the abodes of the Supreme Lord, who has the power to vanquish His enemies.
Pasuram # 26
The sacred mountains, Thirumaliruncholai and Thiruvengadam, are like the breasts of the Earth.
The vast ocean is like her sari.
The radiant sun, shining brightly, is like the ornament adorning her.
The great rivers, red and turbulent, form the divine garland on her chest.
The dark, massive clouds are like her flowing hair.
The surrounding waters serve as her protective veil.
This divine entity, known as Sri Bhoomi Piratti, is said to embody the three supreme goals of human life as declared by those who dwell in this earthly world.
Pasuram # 27
The mighty and eternal Lord—
The divine consort of Lakshmi,
The one beyond the cycle of birth,
The radiant gem who reclines on the ancient ocean,
The Lord of Thiruventhai, who resides in my heart like an unshakable garland,
The wondrous one of Thirukadalmallai—
He is the Lord of the celestial beings.
Happy travelling.
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Amazing as usual. What a lot of time you must put into your Sthalam studies!
ReplyDeleteThank you much. Yes, it has taken a lot of time and effort to read, understand and also translate.
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