Kakkalur Jala Narayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is located in Kakkalur, a small town near Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also called as Shiva Vishnu temple because these two Lords are the presiding deities here. Reclining Darshan of Lord Vishnu in this temple is similar to the Jala Narayana Temple of Kathmandu in Nepal.
The temple features classic South Indian architecture with a beautiful vimana (tower) over the sanctum. On both sides of the entrance stand two guardian deities. The main deity, Lord Vishnu, is seen in a unique reclining posture on water, which is why he is called “Jala Narayan” (Water Narayan). Next is the shrine of Lord Shiva called as Pushpavaneswara
Inside the temple, to the left, is the shrine of Lord Ganesha, and next to it is the shrine of Lord Ayyappan. The temple also has a sanctum for Goddess Lakshmi and other shrines.
Long ago, sages and rishis performed intense penance at Kakkalur, praying to Lord Vishnu for his divine darshan. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before them reclining on water, similar to his form in Thirupaarkadal (Celestial Ocean). Since the Lord manifested over water, He came to be known as Jala Narayana.
Another legend states that a King, suffering from severe hardships, visited this place and prayed with utmost faith. Lord Vishnu blessed him, removing his troubles and granting him peace and prosperity. Devotees believe sincere prayers at this temple can help remove obstacles and bring good fortune.
The temple celebrates major Hindu festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Panguni Uthiram, and Sri Krishna Janmashtami with great devotion. Special poojas and rituals attract devotees, especially on Saturdays and Ekadashi days.