India

Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple

Pallava-era Vishnu temple, 9th-century Tamil Nadu

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple in Thirumayam, a panchayat town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sathyamurthi Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Ujeevana Thayar. The temple is believed to have been built during the 9th century by the Pallavas. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower and is behind a fort built during the 15th century. The temple tank is located inside the premises. The temple is maintained and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument. The temple follows the Tenkalai tradition of worship. Four daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the car festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (April - May), Krishna Jayanti during Avani (August - September) and Adi Puram during July - August being the most prominent.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Mention in Vaishnava canon

6th–9th centuries CE

Literary references in modern period

18th–19th centuries

Inscriptional patronage linked to Pallava rulers

8th century CE

Principal construction attributed to Pallavas

9th century CE

Fort construction by Sethupathi ruler

1687 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

FortressesDefensive WallsTowers
category

Military Installations

Armories
category

Water Management Features

Reservoirs
category

Public and Civic Structures

Courtyards
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltars
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesReliefsInscriptionsMonuments
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified CavesRock Shelters
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

India

Coordinates

10.25° N, 78.75° E