CHENNAI: Chaturangapattinam, better known as Sadras, near Mamallapuram, has a temple for Vishnu dedicated to Malaimandala Perumal also called Varadaraja Perumal and Giri Varadan. The main shrine is located at an elevated level, reminiscent of the famous temple for Varadarajasvami in Kanchipuram.
Varadaraja Perumal is seen standing with the conch (sankha) and discus (chakra) in his upper left and right hands respectively. His lower right hand is in abhaya hasta, reassuring his devotees, and his left hand is in kati hasta, resting on his waist. A notable feature is that Perumal’s chakra (called Sudarsana) is held slightly lower than the sankha, while in most idols they are held at the same height. This unique positioning is indicative of the
Gajendra Moksha episode wherein the lord proceeded with the chakra to save the devotee elephant from the crocodile’s jaws.
The main image is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. On close observation, it appears that Sridevi, slightly taller than Bhudevi, is looking down at the feet of Perumal, while Bhudevi looks directly at the devotees in front. The bronze image of Sudarsana here assumes special importance as this temple is connected with the Gajendra Moksha episode. Interestingly, the right foot of Varadaraja Perumal is placed in front of his left foot, again signifying that he was proceeding to save Gajendra.
One more unique feature of this temple is that the feet of Malaimandala Perumal are on the same level as head of the image of Garuda, and it appears as if Garuda has fixed his entire attention upon the feet of Vishnu.
Chithra Madhavan
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