Ulagalantha Perumal Temple,
Kanchipuram – Legends
Ulagalantha
Perumal:
As per legend, Lord Vishnu descended as
the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over
the heavens, as it had been taken by Mahabali, a
benevolent Asura King. Mahabali was the grandson of Hiranya
Kasipu, the son of Prahalada. King Mahabali was generous and engaged in
severe austerities and penance and won the praise of the world. With the praise
from his courtiers and others, he regarded himself as the invincible in the
world.
Emperor Mahabali, though good natured, ever helpful to
those in need, had a desire that none should exceed him in status and
fame. To realize this aim, he conducted a great yajna headed by his
Guru Sukracharya. Lord thought to bring down his pride. He took
the form of dwarf, came to the Yajna field and sought three footsteps of land
(three steps by his foot) as charity. Guru Sukracharya sensed some mischief in
the dwarf and understood that the visitor was none other than Lord
Vishnu.
He vehemently warned Mahabali and did his best to
prevent his promise. Mahabali did not relent. He was only keen to keep up
his word to dwarf and offered his wish. Lord took his Viswaroopa, measured
the earth by one foot step and the Akasha by the second step and there was no
place for the third step and asked Mahabali for the third. Mahabali
gracefully accepted his inability and offered his head for the third. Lord
placed his head on Mahabali and demanded that he solemnize the charity with
water from his right hand.
Mahabali took the water bowl to confirm his promise but
Sukracharya took the form of a bee and blocked the hole of the bowl from
releasing the water. Lord Vishnu took a grass piece, put it on the bowl
hole that blinded the Guru. Mahabali was pressed by the Lord Vishnu to the
Padala Loka and taken later with him. It is said that the above incident happened
in this
temple. The same legend is associated with Thrikkakara
Temple in Kerala and Ulagalantha
Perumal Temple, Thirukovilur.
Ooragam:
As Mahabali been reduced to a normal human being in the
nether world by Lord Vishnu, 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 the form of Adisesha (Ooragam) in a smaller form at
this place. Hence, the
place came to be called as Ooragam and the Lord came to be called as
Ooragathan.
Kaaragam:
It is believed that Sage Garga performed his penance at Karunagara
Perumal Temple and bestowed with knowledge. Hence, the
place came to be called as Garagaham and later got corrupted to Kaaragam.
It is also said that Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Kaasha Rishi in Thiru
Kaaragam.
Thirukkaarvaanam:
Lord Vishnu explained to the world that he is the Megham
/ Kaar (Clouds) which brings rain to this world for the welfare of the world. The
clouds give the rain to the world without expecting anything in return.
Similarly, Perumal resembles as Kaar (rain bearing clouds) here without expecting
anything from his devotees expect pure devotion from them. Hence, the
temple came to be called as Thirukkaarvaanam.
Thiru
Neeragam:
Neer (the water) is the primary and necessary element for
the survival of living beings on earth. Lord Vishnu resembles this concept in this
temple. Hence, the
temple came to be called as Thiru Neeragam.
Aalilai
Krishna:
This
temple is the place where Sage Markandeya, father in
law of Oppiliappan, once underwent a penance on the banks of River Bathra
towards Lord Vishnu to get his darshan as Aalilai Krishna (Child Krishna on the
Banyan Leaf).
