Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Vamana–Bali Mandir) is situated in Big Kanchipuram, near the Kamakshi Amman Temple, in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
The presiding deity is Ulagalantha Perumal (Lord Vamana in Trivikrama form), symbolically placing his foot on King Mahabali’s head.
The deity’s posture represents the cosmic act where Vamana measured the universe in three steps.
The consort deity is Amuthavalli Thayar, an aspect of Goddess Lakshmi.
The temple also has smaller shrines for Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and the Alwars.
The temple showcases Dravidian architectural style, with intricately carved pillars, expansive halls, and towering gopurams.
The main sanctum houses the colossal idol of Vamana–Bali, while the complex includes shrines for other forms of Lord Vishnu.
It also encompasses four Divya Desams: Tirukkaravanam, Tirukarakam, Tiruneerakam, and Tiruoorakam.
The temple traces its origins to the Pallava period, with inscriptions indicating construction during the reign of Nandivarman III (846–869 CE).
Later expansions and renovations were undertaken by the Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Madurai Nayaks, contributing to its architectural and cultural richness.
According to legend, the benevolent Asura king Mahabali ruled the three worlds with great devotion and generosity. Concerned about his growing influence, the gods sought Lord Vishnu’s intervention. Vishnu appeared as Vamana, a small Brahmin boy, and approached Mahabali during a ritual, requesting three paces of land.
Mahabali generously agreed. Vamana then expanded into his Trivikrama (cosmic) form, covering the earth with the first step and the heavens with the second. For the third step, Mahabali humbly offered his own head. Touched by his devotion, Vishnu granted Mahabali immortality and the privilege to visit his people once every year. This divine event is celebrated as Onam, while the temple itself enshrines the deity in the act of Vamana placing his foot on Bali Maharaja, symbolizing humility, devotion, and cosmic order.
The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Vamana–Bali Mandir) thus commemorates both the Vamana avatar and King Mahabali, reminding devotees of the virtues of generosity, devotion, and righteous conduct.
The temple celebrates Brahmotsavam in Thai (Jan–Feb) with grand processions and cultural performances. Vamana Jayanthi, in Avani (Aug–Sep) on the Shravana star, marks Lord Vamana’s appearance. Importantly, Bali Padyami is observed to honor King Mahabali, commemorating his annual visit and generosity. Daily rituals include Ushathkalam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Irandamkalam, and Ardha Jamam, each with Alankaram, Neivedyam, and Deepa Aradanai, attracting devotees throughout the year.
