Sri Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is located at Mahabalipuram. This temple is very good in architecture, and this temple is sanctified in the Divya Prabandha, the collection of Divine poems written in praise of Lord Vishnu, which was sung by the Azhwar saints before several centuries ago. This temple is worshipped as one of the Divyadesam Temples, and here Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Ma Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pallava Kings, and subsequently it was well maintained by the Cholas.
The great Alwar, Bhoothathalvar was believed to have been born at this place, and once he has also got the divine vision of Lord Sthalasayana Perumal. The temple is kept open for public view from 6 am to 12 pm and 3pm to 8:30 pm. Daily pujas are held at this temple, and some important festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi and Krishna Jayanti are also celebrated at this temple.
As per ancient legend, Sage Pundarika used to regularly worship Lord Vishnu with thousands of flowers and in appreciation to his sincere bhakti, Lord Vishnu appeared before him, and stayed at the present place of this temple, in the form of sleeping posture, and hence he was called as Sthalasayana Perumal. It is also believed that the great Rishi Agastya had once visited this temple and worshipped the deity. Lord Vishnu has given his divine vision to his staunch devotee king Harikesarivarman at this temple. This marvellous temple is situated in Mahabalipuram, which has now become a top residential locality, since this place is surrounded with full of historical monuments and temples.
Since Lord Vishnu appears in the form of sleeping posture at this temple, those who suffer from sleeplessness must visit this temple in order to get a proper sleep during night time. It is also believed that Lord Varuna had once performed meditation at the present place of this temple. Hence, let us visit this famous temple of Lord Vishnu, and let us be blessed.
“OM SRI STHALA SAYANA PERUMALE NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR