CHENNAI: Mangadu, near Poonamallee, is an ancient area with a history well recorded in many inscriptions and in traditional lore. Mangadu is known for its cluster of ancient temples. There is a temple for Vishnu called the Vaikuntha Perumal temple in the centre of the town. It was known as Kalikesari Vishnugriham in the Chola times.
The main idol of Vaikuntha Perumal is in a seated posture flanked by Ubhaya Nachiyar (Sri Devi and Bhu Devi). An important feature is the Sudarshana Chakra in Vaikuntha Perumal’s hand is in the prayoga posture with the rim facing outward as though ready to hurl at enemies. Another special feature of this idol is the lower right hand in which Perumal holds a ring (kanayazhi) to give to Kamakshi when she marries Shiva. This is in association with the Kamakshi Amman temple in Mangadu wherein Goddess Parvati is said to have performed penance to be united with Shiva. As the brother of Parvati, Vaikuntha Perumal holds the ring to give to his sister during her marriage.
The processional deity is in a standing posture with Ubhaya Nachiyar. He holds the sankha and chakra in his upper hands. The lower right hand is in abhaya hasta or the pose of blessing and the lower left hand is in varada hasta or in the gesture of granting boons. The main entrance faces east adorned with a tall five-tier gopuram near which is a sanctum for Bhakta Anjaneya. Close to main shrine are small sanctums for Garuda and Thirukkachi Nambi, the Vaishnavite preceptor.
A Chola inscription on the base of the north wall of the central shrine belongs to the reign of Parakesari Rajendra Chola I (11th Century). It records the gift of 90 sheep for a perpetual lamp to the deity at Kalikesari Vishnugriham in Mangadu alias Azhagiya Chola Nannur by a native (name lost) of Naduvayil.
(The writer is a historian who focuses on temple architecture)