Legend
History
Tiru Uraga Perumal, also known as Ulagalanda Perumal temple, is a later Chola-era temple. It was probably built during the reign of Kulotunga Chola II in the 12th century CE. The temple was renovated and extended by the Vijayanagara. In 1697 CE, the Maha mandapa and the Raja gopuram (tower) were built by a wealthy person named Koodal Nayanar Chokkappar in 1697 CE.
Three inscriptions are found, each from the Cholas, Telugu Cholas and Vijayanagara.
Inscription # 1
Inscription # 2
Inscription # 3
Temple Layout and Iconography
The west-facing temple has a colorful and magnificent five-tiered Raja gopuram (tower) with many beautiful stucco images.
The moolasthana (sanctum) unusually faces the west direction. It enshrines the gigantic seven feet tall Tiru Uraga Perumal. The four-armed deity is in the standing posture. Perumal flanked by his two consorts, in the form of metal images, are also found in the sanctum.
The Goddess bearing a nice Tamil name, Tiruvirundavalli, is in a separate east-facing shrine.
Vishwaksena, Ramanuja and Nammalvar are found on the Maha mandapa. The hall has full of large round-shaped pillars.
Andal graces in a sub-shrine in the prakara (circumambulatory path). The next sub-shrine has the images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, with Hanuman in the opposite direction.
Ganesha, called Tumbikkai Alwar here, is seen near the shrine of Tiruvirundavalli.
The flag staff, bali peetha (offering pedestal), deepa stambha (lamp post) and the image of Garuda are found facing the direction of the presiding deity.
The sculptures of Ganga and Yamuna are carved on either side of the temple entrance. There are multitude of mini sculptures found above these river Goddesses. These are typical architectural elements found in most of the temples. But, some of these images are related to Shaivism such as a sage worshiping Linga and various forms of Shiva. This is unusual.
The carvings of ten Avatars of Vishnu and a few others on the ceiling of the base of temple entrance is attractive.
Happy travelling.