Sthalasayana Perumal Temple (also called Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple) is a
Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumagal Nachiyar. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines. There is a four-tiered rajagopuram
, the temple's gateway tower, in the temple.
Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Vyaghrapada. Three daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Legend
Image of the presiding deity
Vaikunta. Vyaghrapada was joined by sage Patanjali in his journey. Because of his poor eyesight, the sages instead went southward, lost their way and reached Krupa Samudram, modern day Tirusirupuliyur. They prayed to Vishnu to come from Srirangam to grant them moksha (divine attainment). Vishnu is believed to have appeared for sage Vyasa also at this place.[1]
It is believed that Vishnu originally offered a
Srirangam temple. Because of their old age, the sages could not see the big image of Vishnu clearly and hence he appeared in a smaller form known as Bala Sayanam (smaller recline), the sleeping posture of a small kid. Being in smaller form, and the saint who worshipped was in the form of a tiger, this place is called Siru (meaning small) Puli (meaning tiger) yur (meaning dwelling place).[2][3][4]
Temple
Tiruchirupuliur Prakaram(Outer precincts of the temple) view
A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines. There is a four-tiered
Therazhundur. A separate shrine for Adhiseshan is present near to the pushkarani - known as Ananthalwar Temple.[4]
Vaikuntha) got into an argument as to who was more powerful and devoted to their lord. Finding Garuda a little arrogant, Vishnu went in favour of Adisesha. Worried that Garuda might be angered at this, Adishesha sought the protection of Vishnu, upon which Vishnu asked him to roll himself and hide under him. It is said that as a result of this anger, Garuda never flies over this place. There is another legend that Adishesha won the argument and since snakes were sworn enemies of eagles, Adishesha hid himself under the waters of the temple tank. It is henceforth believed that devotees will be relieved of Naga Dosham (affliction due to serpent god) if one visits this temple. Unmarried people and childless couple can also visit this temple for salvation.[2]
The temple is revered in
Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book.[2]
Festivals and religious practices
Utsavar
, the festival deity - Sri KrubaSamudra Perumal
The temple follows the traditions of the
Tenkalai sect of the Vaishnava tradition and follows vaikanasa aagama. The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, of the Brahminvarna. The temple rituals are performed three times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:30 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Sthalasayana Perumal and Thirumagal Nachiyar. During the last step of worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.[2]
Rajagpoura
Inner gopura and flagpost
Garudalvar shrine
Vimana of presiding deity
Shrine of Goddess in prakara
Vimana of Andal
