AN ANCIENT TEMPLE IN THE VILLAGE OF MAHABALIPURAM ON THE EAST COAST

 The Divya Kshetram is located in the village of  "Mahabalipuram / TIRUKADALMALLAI. The presiding deity is Stalasayana perumal in  a reclining posture and the Goddess is Nilamamgai Thayar. The sacred water is Pundarika Puskharini and the sanctum sanctorum is Gaganakriti vimanam   

According to the Sthala purana Pundareeka maharshi desirous of  worshipping Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers, proceeded eastward and was trying to drain the waters of the ocean to make his way.

The Lord came in the guise of an old man and asked for some food. The Maharishi went to fetch him some food, and when he returned he found Lord Vishnu adorning Himself with flowers and giving Darsan as Ananthasayanam. Hence this gained the name Sthalasayanam.

This DivyaKshetram is at a distance of 58 Kms from Chennai. Maasi Makham festival is an