Vaikunda Perumal Temple - ePrarthana.com

The Vaikundaperumal coil is standing example of a king erecting a shrine to record the history of their ancestors in bold relief on the walls. Besides this importance, Thirumangai Alvar has glorified this deity by psalms thus making this shrine important and sacred. The structure of the temple is a peculiar one completely different from other temples.

In the inside, the corridor is a raised one as if a veranda is running all round with a depression in the middle in which the sanctum rises 3 tiers. The central shrine is carved with scenes of Vishnu in different aspects and incarnations. But the walls of the veranda have secular panels depicting the history of Pallavas. All the four verandas carry the reliefs and they are divided into panels � upper and lower.

The temple itself is in a small garden separated from surroundings and hence can be viewed fully in all angles. The tower (Vimana) is entirely different from those of other temples. Soaring 60 feet divided into four tiers, the sikara partitioned into eight planes, possessing a single sthupi, accommodating three images Irundam (Seated), Kidandan (recumbent) and Ninran (Standing) Asana. Sayana and Sthanaka poses, the temple presents a queer view. There are steps to reach the upper storeys. The walls are carved with the aspects of Vishnu.The temple itself is in a small garden separated from surroundings and hence can be viewed fully in all angles. The tower (Vimana) is entirely different from those of other temples. Soaring 60 feet divided into four tiers, the sikara partitioned into eight planes, possessing a single sthupi, accommodating three images Irundam (Seated), Kidandan (recumbent) and Ninran (Standing) Asana. Sayana and Sthanaka poses, the temple presents a queer view. There are steps to reach the upper storeys. The walls are carved with the aspects of Vishnu.

There were no puranas in Vedic times. But they were introduced in Gupta periods. Common people who could not grasp the abstract higher Truth had to be taught through puranas little by little. And the temple walls were the school blackboards in which the legends were displayed for the ordinary man to view and learn. In this temple Varaha, Narasimha, Trivikrama, Vamana avatars can be seen. The churning of the ocean to secure Nectar forms a scene in another tier. But due to passage of time all the images are corroded.

The various mythological themes are also filled with details to suit the Agamic Texts. Of them, the Trivikrama Avatara is the best. Vamana with his umbrella asks for three steps of land. Bali is very big. Sukra, the Asura teacher is seen attempting to prevent the gift, for he well knew the consequences, jambavan beating the drum. Trivikrama raises his leg by which reaches Brahma Loga. Brahma worships it with holy water which trickles down to earth of Ganga. Garuda is seen on the shoulders of Sukra fighting with him.