About Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana-Trivikrama avatar, located in Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alvars and is notable for its large 35-foot image of Trivikrama. Built in Dravidian style with origins attributed to the Pallavas and later expansions by Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers, the temple complex encloses four Divya Desams within its premises.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with Dravidian architecture, gopurams, pillared halls and stone sculptures. The main sanctum houses a towering image of Ulagalantha Perumal (Trivikrama) with one leg raised, along with shrines for Lakshmi and other deities. The compact courtyard encloses four Divya Desams - Tiruooragam, Tirukkaragam, Tirukkarvaanam and Tiruneeragam. The atmosphere is devotional with daily pujas, chanting and festival gatherings.
Key highlights
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One of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu as Ulagalantha Perumal (Trivikrama/Vamana)
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35-foot tall monolithic image of Trivikrama depicting the Vamana avatar measuring the three worlds
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Temple complex uniquely houses four Divya Desams within a single premises
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Dravidian architecture with Pallava origins and later Chola and Vijayanagara additions
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Revered in hymns by the Alvar saints Tirumangai Alvar and Thirumazhisai Alvar
History of Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
The temple is attributed to the Pallava period (around 8th century) with later contributions from the Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara Empire. Built in Dravidian style, it is known for its large stucco image of Trivikrama and stone inscriptions. The temple illustrates the architectural evolution of Kanchipuram as a major temple town under successive South Indian dynasties.
Culture & Context
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvar saints. It is dedicated to Vishnu as Ulagalantha Perumal, the giant form of Vamana-Trivikrama who measured the three worlds. The complex enshrines four Divya Desams - Tiruooragam, Tirukkaragam, Tirukkarvaanam and Tiruneeragam - making it highly revered for Vaishnavite pilgrims. Festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam are observed.