☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #63 of 108 (Thondai Nadu)
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Sthala Sayana Perumal

Thirukkadalmallai (Mahabalipuram Sthala Sayana) — Divya Desam #63

Divya Desam #63 • Thondai Nadu (Chennai Cluster)
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Birthplace of Bhoothathazhwar; the Lord reclines directly on the bare earth (Sthala Sayanam) to bless Sage Pundarika.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #63 (Thirukkadalmallai (Mahabalipuram Sthala Sayana)) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Thondai Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Sthala Sayana Perumal, graces devotees in Kidandha (Reclining on Ground) posture facing East beneath the sacred Gagana Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Nilamangai Thayar. Holy dips or prostrations near the Pundareega Pushkarani are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
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🙏 Azhwars: Bhoothathazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar (27 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Bhoothathazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 27 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Bhoothathazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Sthala Sayana Perumal and Nilamangai Thayar at Thirukkadalmallai (Mahabalipuram Sthala Sayana). Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
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• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Sthala Sayana Perumal and Goddess Nilamangai Thayar.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Chennai Cluster (Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Chengalpattu and nearby pilgrimage towns in Chennai Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Chengalpattu / Chennai Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Chengalpattu - Tamil Nadu region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.