This temple, along with the nearby Kamakshi Amman temple, is located in the heart of Kanchipuram. The four Raja Veedhis, or royal streets, are laid out around these two temples. Traditionally, the Ulagalanda Perumal temple was known as Tiruvooragam, which is also a Divya Desam. Some historians suggest that in ancient times, the Ulagalanda Perumal temple was considered the central hub of Kanchi, with the entire town’s layout developed around it. In addition to its status as a Divya Desam, the temple houses three other shrines, each also designated as Divya Desams.
Among the three postures of Vishnu—standing (Nindran), sitting (Irundhan), and reclining (Kidanthan)—this temple features Vishnu in the standing posture as Trivikrama. An interesting historical note is that Parimel Azhagar, the renowned commentator on Tamil literary works such as Tirukkural, once served as a priest at this temple.
Location
This temple is located near the town bus stand, with the renowned Kamakshi Amman temple nearby.
Architecture
This ancient temple, situated below ground level due to the rise of surrounding areas over time, was rebuilt and expanded during the Chola period. Notable additions from this era include the Mandapam and the Thayar Sannidhi. The temple faces west and features a Rajagopuram at its entrance. Upon entering, one encounters the Bali Peetam; to its east is the Dvaja Sthampam, and further east lies the Garudan Sannidhi, which faces the Moola Sthanam or sanctum sanctorum.
The sanctum of this temple, like those of the Pandava Thoodhu Perumal temple and the Yathokthakari Perumal temple, is large, high, and rectangular, designed to accommodate the substantial deities within. It is topped with a massive Shala Shikara (hollow spire). Just outside the sanctum, to its north, stands the Utsavar idol with five heads. An inner circumambulatory path surrounds the sanctum, and there are separate shrines for other Divya Desams within the temple complex, including Neeragam (dedicated to Jagadeesa Perumal and Nilamangai Thayar), Karagam (dedicated to Karunakara Perumal and Padmasini Nachiyar), and Karvanam (dedicated to Kalvar Perumal and Kamala Valli Nachiyar).
Sculpture
The 36-foot-tall image of the deity inside the sanctum is the temple’s main attraction. The deity stands grandly with his left leg raised. His left hand is outstretched with two pointed fingers, signifying that he has measured the earth and the universe. His right hand, with one pointed finger, gestures as if inquiring where he might place his third step.
Inscription
Twenty-one stone inscriptions have been discovered within this temple. These inscriptions refer to the temple as ‘Tiruvooragathu Nindraruliya Paramaswami Tirukkoil’. The largest of these inscriptions belongs to Chola King Kulothunga I and begins with the phrase ‘Pugazh Madhu Vilanga’. It details lands donated by Queen Chola Kulavalli for the purpose of worship and food offerings. Initially, the Saliya Nagarattar of the city agreed to cultivate this land but failed to do so, leading to its reallocation and donation back to the temple. A 14th-century inscription from the Sambuvarayas grants permission for performances of plays and dramas in the streets of Kanchipuram and other villages in Tondai Mandalam.
A 12th-century inscription records that the 48,000 Nagarattar families of Kanchipuram adopted the deity of Tiruvooragam as their family deity and committed to providing various offerings, worship, and special festivals for the temple. The earliest inscription, from the 9th century, belongs to Pallava King Nandhi Varman III and notes his exemption of taxes on goods sold in Kanchipuram by traders from Videl Vidugu Cheri, including items from camphor to footwear. Additionally, inscriptions from the 18th and 19th centuries have also been found.
Hymns
Tiruvooragam is revered in the hymns of Tirumazhisai Azhwar (specifically the 63rd and 64th songs of Tirucchanda Virutham) and Tirumangai Azhwar (notably the 8th and 13th songs of Tirunedunthandagam; the 70th song of Siriya Tirumadal; and the 128th song of Periya Tirumadal). Additionally, Tirumangai Azhwar has also consecrated the other Divya Desams—Tiruneeragam, Tirukkaragam, and Tirukkarvanam—in a single verse, the 8th song of Tirunedunthandagam.
Mythology
During the Trivikrama Avatharam, Maha Bali was unable to witness Perumal in his Viswa Roopam. He undertook severe penance to achieve this vision. Since he existed in neither world, it is believed that Perumal took the form of Adisesha to guide him back and appeared to Maha Bali in the Trivikrama form.
Kaaraha Maharishi performed intense penance and attained profound knowledge. To honor him, the sacred place was named ‘Karagam’ after him.
Markandeya undertook penance on the banks of the river Badra to witness the Pralayam. In response, Perumal, using his divine Maya, recreated the Pralayam scene and appeared as a small child on a banyan leaf. The location was named ‘Neeragam’ in reference to this divine event.
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Ulagalanda Perumal; mirthavalli Nachiyar
Built By : Kulothungan I
Period : 11th Century
Sanctified By : Tirumangai Azhwar
Category : Temple