Thirukadalmallai (Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple)

One of the 108 Divya Desams of the Vaishnava tradition, this ancient temple in Mahabalipuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal, with Goddess Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar. Celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvar saints, the temple was originally built by the Pallavas and later expanded by the Cholas, Vijayanagara kings, and Madurai Nayaks. It is also revered as the birthplace of Bhoothathalvar, one of the twelve Alvar saints of the Vaishnavite tradition. A serene and spiritually charged stop near the Bay of Bengal.