This temple, named ‘Paramecchara Vinnagaram’ by its founder, Nandi Varman II, is a royal shrine comparable in grandeur to the Kailasa Nathar temple. Nandi Varman II, a ruler from a different Pallava lineage, sought to contrast with his ancestor, Narasimha Varman II, who commissioned the Kailasa Nathar temple. While Narasimha Varman was a devout Saivite, known as ‘Siva Chudamani,’ Nandi Varman II was a fervent Vaishnavite. The Kailasa Nathar temple and the Vaikunda Perumal temple align in a straight line, facing each other in opposing directions. The Kailasa Nathar temple, located at the western end of the town, faces east, while the Vaikunda Perumal temple, situated at the eastern end, faces west.
The inner walls of the Vaikunda Perumal temple are adorned with sculptures depicting various stories of Vishnu, as well as visual representations of the Pallava dynasty’s ancestry, the rise of Pallava power, and the construction of both the Kailasa Nathar and Vaikunda Perumal temples. In this regard, the Vaikunda Perumal temple offers a more advanced depiction compared to the Kailasa Nathar temple. This temple is a protected monument, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Government of India.
Location
Located near the town bus stand, the temple’s Sannidhi Street can be accessed from the eastern Raja Veedhi
Architecture
According to experts, the Dravida architectural style reached its zenith in Tamil Nadu with the construction of the Vaikunda Perumal temple. This style is noted for its elevated sanctum sanctorum, which is divided vertically into three sections: the basement, walls, and parapet. Dravida-style temples are topped with Gopurams—pyramidal towers. The Gopuram of the Vaikunda Perumal temple is two-storeyed and features hollow interiors, with shrine chambers stacked one above the other. This creates a vertical sequence of three sanctums: the ground level sanctum houses the deity in a sitting posture; the first-floor sanctum contains the deity in a reclining posture; and the second-floor sanctum features the deity in a standing posture.
The Vaikunda Perumal temple is regarded as a complete architectural complex. The Vimana, along with the Mandapam and Ardha Mandapam, stands prominently in the center of a rectangular enclosure. This enclosure is bordered by high walls and accessed through a gateway on the west. A drainage moat encircles the Vimana and porch, with a solid embankment bridging the moat to the porch entrance. An open-roofed circumambulatory passage runs along the inner side of the enclosing Prakara wall. Although the temple’s rituals are currently performed according to the Vaikhanasa Agama, the architect who designed the temple followed the Pancharatra Agama.
Sculpture
The Vimana of the Vaikunda Perumal temple features sculpted panels depicting various aspects of God Vishnu. However, the sandstone from which these icons were carved has deteriorated over time. The sandstone sculptures reflect a tradition native to Tamil Nadu, characterized by dynamic postures, bold modeling of bodies and limbs, and intricate details in costumes and jewelry. The figures fill each panel, and the carvings on the walls of the inner circumambulatory depict scenes from Pallava genealogy and royal figures. Both divine and royal figures are given balanced representation, a unique feature in South Indian temple art. Despite this, the panels, like those on the Vimana, have also significantly weathered. The Vimana sculptures were added after the initial construction, while those on the inner circumambulatory wall were originally in situ. This temple, which combines an exceptional architectural layout with innovative design, showcases the vision of its patron, Nandivarman Pallavamalla.
Painting
Originally, the sculptures on the panels of the inner circumambulatory wall were coated with a limestone paste and expertly painted. However, over time, these paintings have entirely faded.
Hymns
The final Azhwar, Tirumangai Azhwar, was a contemporary of Pallava King Nandi Varman II and served as a minor ruler under his empire. He governed from Mangai, located near Nagapattinam in the Thanjavur district. In Periya Thirumozhi (2.9), Tirumangai Azhwar extols both the deity residing in the Paramecchara Vinnagaram and the king who constructed it.
Mythology
(1) Maha Vishnu’s Dwarabalakas were born as Pallava and Vallava to King Viroshan. They conducted an Aswamedha Yagam, invoking God Vishnu, who appeared as Parameswaran – Vaikunda Nathan.
(2) Bharadwaja Muni had a son with a Gandharva girl. At that time, the Pallavas had no male heir to continue their lineage. When they prayed to God Vishnu, he granted them this boy, who was named Parameccharan. It is believed that Vishnu himself taught the boy 18 arts. To honor this, the Pallava King constructed this temple in three tiers. The deity is represented in a standing pose to teach the boy, a sitting posture to nurture him, and a reclining posture to grant him Darisanam.
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Vaikunda Perumal, Vaikunda Valli Thayar
Built By : Nandi Varman II
Period : 8th Century
Sanctified By : Tirumangai Azhwar
Category : Temple