A Gigantic 30 feet Thiruvikrama with his left leg lifted at right angle and parallel to the ground and with fingers of right and left hand describing the Maha Bali story
Ulagalantha Perumal temple is situated just a kilometer north of Kanchipuram bus stand. Lord Vishnu is normally seen in one of the three postures- Standing, Sitting or Sleeping posture. From that point, the Ulagalantha Perumal at Ooragam is no different. However, while he is seen standing facing west, this is no simple standing posture of the Lord.
This unique posture of the Lord is detailed below in this story that relates to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana Avatara.
Lord Vishnu who took the Narasimha Avatara to kill Hiranyakashipu, the father of Prahalada then took the Vamana Avatara, the first avatara of Lord Vishnu as a human being, to subdue the demon king MahaBali, the grandson of Prahalada, and to restore Indra’s power back to him.
The story
King Bali had conquered almost the entire world and had gained such power that he seemed irresistible. Indra looked up to Lord Vishnu to protect him from Bali and his fast expansion.
Disguising himself as a dwarf Brahmin, Lord Vishnu attends a Yaagam undertaken by king Bali. Pleased with his presence, Bali greeted the Brahmain and asked him what he could give from his huge empire.
Brahmin that he was and contended with what he had, the dwarf asked Bali for just 3 feet of land. Bali’s Guru, the knowledgeable and shrewd Sukraachaarya, who knew the intention behind the Brahmin’s visit, advised the King against giving him the 3 feet of land.
MahaBali, who was a great devotee of Vishnu, was also known for his upkeep of Dharma. Having asked the Brahmin what he wanted and having promised him to give whatever he wanted, MahaBali would not go back on his word, even if something negative were to happen to him. And hence he readily agreed to part with the 3 feet of land.
The Vamana measured the entire earth and sky with one step and the heaven with his 2nd step. And having covered the entire universe with just 2 steps, there was no place left for the third step.
The 3rd Step of Vamana and the end of King Bali
When asked where he could place his 3rd step, King Bali asked the Lord to place it on him. And with this, Lord Vishnu placed his foot on King Bali’s head sending him into the nether world, thus marking bringing to end the purpose of his Avataaram.
Thiru Vikrama Darshan to Bali
Bali, who was thus crushed, wanted to see the full form of the Lord who measured the entire world. Answering his prayers, Lord is said to have appeared before Bali at this place as Ulagalantha Perumal (the one who measured the entire universe).
Another Darshan in a smaller form
Having been reduced to a normal human being in the nether world, Bali was not able to see the full manifestation of Lord Vishnu in this gigantic form. Hence, it is believed that the Lord appeared once again before Bali in a smaller form at this place as the serpent lord Adhisesha.
The name
As Uragam signifies Snake and Lord Vishnu gave darshan once again to Bali as the Serpent Lord, this place came to be called Ooragam and the Lord came to be known as Ooragathaan.
It is believed that this Lord fulfils the prayers of unwedded girls and childless couples.
A description of Thiruvikrama
Over 30 feet in height
Left leg is seen lifted at a right angle(to the body), parallel to the ground.
Right leg is seen placed on Mahabali’s head
2 fingers on his left hand stretched out referring to the two steps he took to measure this world
1 stretched finger on his right hand indicates the question the Lord posed to MahaBali as to where he could place his 3rd step
The gigantic Ulagalantha Perumal is special to Kanchipuram and a Lord of this size, and in this form, cannot be seen in any other Divya Desam.
Azhvaar
Thirumangai Azhvaar and Thirumazhisai Azhvaar have praised Ulagalantha Perumal. Thirumangai Azhvaar has referred to all four Divya Desams in this temple complex in a single Paasuram.
Quick Facts
Moolavar :ThiruVikraman Standing Posture West Facing
Thaayar : AmuthaValli
Time : 7am-12noon and 4pm-8pm
Contact : Vijayaraghavan Bhattar @ 94425 53820 Raghuram Bhattar 90879 78224/ Azhagiya Singar 98425 65126 / GR Ravi 96865 69467
Festivals
OnamBrahmotsavam in Thai
Panguni Utsavam
6 comments:
Hello Prabhu,
Are there special Utsavams in the Kanchi Divya Desams during Navarathri?
We are planning to go there during Vijayadashami. So just checking how feasible it would be.
Thanks.
Yes, on Vijayadasami there will be the enactment of Perumal directing the arrow on the Vanni Tree signifying the victory of the good over the evil.
This is quite a popular utsavam at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Prabhu
Seeking some more info:
Is the utsavam during the day or in the evening? It would help me plan accordingly.
Also the auto contact, Narasimhan's number is not functional anymore. Is there any other contact?
Additionally, is there a temple contact no for Kooram temple? We would like to offer vastram to Perumal and Kurathazhwar.
Sincere thanks for all the info.
Vedantha Desigar of Thoopal Divya Desam will visit Varadaraja Perumal during the day.
In the evening, the utsavam relating to Perumal directing his arrow at the Vanni tree will take place.
Auto driver name and number : Anand@ 99407 35272
Thrivikrama is a sight to see. Never ever seen such a huge deity and posture. Many thanks. It was 4-in-1 of the 108 divya desams. More to go next week. Love Kanchipuram for its many temples!
Thanks and regards
Madhav
Visited this temple last week on the recommendation of Prabhu mama. Due to renovation work, i was unable to see the 30ft tall Lord.
One incident from the temple was the passion of one of the priests who was well versed in multiple languages and was willing to share stories on the temple.
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