In Hindu iconography this reversal is deliberate, meaningful, and rooted in
Agamic rules, local kṣetra traditions, and theological symbolism, not a
sculptor’s mistake. Below are the main facts and reasons traditionally
given for Vishnu holding the Sudarśana Chakra in the left hand and the
Śaṅkha in the right—a rare but significant form. (NOT AS STATED BY AUTHOR
AS EITHER OR)
1. Āgamic Permission for “Viparīta Hasta” (Reversed Hands)
Although the standard Vaikhānasa and Pāñcarātra Āgamas prescribe:
Right hand → Chakra
Left hand → Śaṅkha
they explicitly allow reversals in special circumstances called Viparīta
Hasta Prayoga, when: The deity represents a specific cosmic function ;The
kṣetra (sacred site) has a unique spiritual mandate; The form is tied to a
local Purāṇic episode So the reversal is scripturally sanctioned, not
irregular.
2. Symbolic Meaning of Right vs Left Hands
In Hindu philosophy:
Hand Symbolic Meaning Right hand (Dakṣiṇa)Dharma, protection, outward
action Left hand (Vāma)Inner power, dissolution, control of ego
Meaning in the reversed posture: Śaṅkha in the right hand
→ Vishnu emphasizes protection, blessing, and sustenance of devotees
Chakra in the left hand
→ Destructive power is restrained, controlled, and used only when necessary
➡️ This shows Vishnu as compassionate first, warrior second
3. “Devotee-Facing” or Rakṣaka (Protector) Form
In several temples, tradition holds that: The Lord stands directly facing
the devotee, not as a cosmic ruler
The right hand (closest to the devotee’s heart) bears the śānta (peaceful)
symbol — the conch
The chakra is kept slightly withdrawn, symbolizing:
“I protect you before I punish evil”
This is common in kṣetras known for granting refuge, forgiveness, or mokṣa
4. Local Kṣetra Purāṇa or Divine Command
Many such images are said to be:
Self-manifested (Swayambhu)
Installed following a divine vision, dream, or oracle
Frozen in the posture in which the Lord appeared
In such cases:
The sculptor must replicate the exact divine form
Iconography cannot be altered, even if non-standard
5. Tantric and Esoteric Interpretation
In some traditions:
Chakra is associated with Time (Kāla) and destruction
Śaṅkha with Nāda (primordial sound) and creation
Placing:
Creation in the right
Destruction in the left
symbolizes cosmic balance and inner mastery over time and death
6. Rare Forms Emphasize Uniqueness of the Deity
Such reversals are intentionally used to signal that:
This Vishnu is not merely Vaikuṇṭha Nārāyaṇa
He represents a special avatāra, mood, or promise
The kṣetra has extraordinary spiritual potency
Hence devotees often believe:
“What is not granted elsewhere is granted here.”
7. Not an Error—A Mark of Great Antiquity
Ironically, these unusual postures often indicate:
Very ancient temples
Pre-standardization iconography (pre–medieval period)
Deep continuity of local worship traditions
In summary:
The reversed holding of Chakra in the left hand and Śaṅkha in the right
signifies:
Compassion over punishment
Protection over destruction
Local divine intent over generalized rules
A deeply personal relationship between the Lord and His devotees
Yes—Śrī Rājagopāla Perumāl of Manimangalam is specifically famous for
this reversed holding of the Ayudhas, and in this temple the reason is very
clearly explained in the sthala–purāṇa and Vaishnava tradition, not merely
as a general iconographic variation.
Below is the temple-specific explanation.
Why Chakra in the Left Hand & Śaṅkha in the Right
1. The Lord Is in “Rakṣaka–Bhāva” (Protector Mood)
At mAnimagalam, the Lord is not worshipped as a ruling king of Vaikuṇṭha,
but as Rājagopāla— a guardian who personally protects His devotees
Because of this: The right hand (Dakṣiṇa Hasta)—the hand of assurance and
blessing—holds the Sankha The Chakra, symbol of punishment and
destruction, is deliberately shifed to the left; Responded to prayers of
cattle herders, farmers, and common folk; Hence:Śaṅkha (auspicious sound,
reassurance) is held forward; Chakra (force) is kept restrained
Ayudha Meaning
Śaṅkha (right hand) Pranava (Om), Veda, life-giving sound
Chakra (left hand) Time, karma, destruction
So the posture signifies:
Veda and grace govern first; karma and punishment act only if unavoidable
This aligns perfectly with Vishishtadvaita philosophy, where:
Grace (śeṣatva) supersedes justice
1. Why the Name Rājagopāla Perumāl
Rājagopāla = Rāja (King) + Gopāla (Protector of cows and people)
At Māṇimangalam, Vishnu is worshipped as:
A king who rules with compassion, not fear
A guardian of common people, cattle, and village life
A Lord who combines:
Royal authority (Rāja-bhāva)
Pastoral mercy (Gopāla-bhāva)
Unlike Krishna of Vṛndāvana:
This is not child-Krishna
But Mahā-Vishnu manifesting as a royal protector with a cowherd’s heart
Hence the unique title Rājagopāla Perumāl.
2. Why He Is Special at Māṇimangalam
Local sthala tradition says:
*The Lord protected the region during wars and natural calamities**;
Manimangalam was in history many a times when people were running out in
wars. *He safeguarded cattle, crops, and villagers Kings of Toṇḍai Nāḍu
prayed here before battles
In ancient Tamil inscriptions:
Mangalam refers to brahmadeya or temple-centered settlements Māṇi
indicates: Wealth Fertility Royal endowment So Manimangalam was: A royally
patronized sacred village Economically prosperous and spiritually
important “Manimangalam is small in size, but priceless in grace.”
K Rajaram IRS 20126
On Tue, 20 Jan 2026 at 18:22, 'gopala krishnan' via KeralaIyers <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *RAJAGOPALA PERUMAL TEMPLE, MANIMANGALAM, KANCHIPURAM DISTRICT- TAMILNADU*
>
> Introduction
>
> The famous Perumal temple near Manimangalam is the ancient Rajagopala
> Perumal Temple, a significant *Chola-era Vishnu temple* known for its
> history, inscriptions, and as a *Parikara Sthalam (remedial shrine) for
> eyesight issues,* dedicated to Vishnu as Rajagopala Swamy with
> Sengamalavalli Thayar.
>
> Key Details about the Rajagopala Perumal Temple:
>
> Deity: Rajagopala Perumal (Krishna in Dwarka) and Sengamalavalli Thayar.
>
> History: A medieval Chola temple, around 1000 years old, with inscriptions
> from the 11th-13th centuries.
>
> Significance: Believed to *help restore eyesight, a classic Parikara
> Sthalam.*
>
> Location: Manimangalam, near Tambaram, close to the Manimagalam Bus stop
>
> About the temple
>
> The Rajagopala Perumal Temple in Manimangalam, near Tambaram (about 10 km
> west of Tambaram), is a historic *Chola-era Vishnu temple* known for its
> ancient stone inscriptions, unique idol posture (conch in the right, discus
> in the left), and being a believed Parikara Sthalam (remedial) for eye
> ailments, *visited by Ramanuja, featuring significant architecture and is
> currently undergoing renovation. *
>
> History:
>
> Built during the Chola period (around 1000 years old), with inscriptions
> dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, detailing grants and history.
>
> The earliest references to Manimangalam are in relation to a battle fought
> between the *Western Chalukya ruler Pulakesin II and the Pallava king
> Narasimhavarman*
>
> The Rajagopala Perumal is one of three Vishnu temples in the town and
> was constructed by the Medieval Cholas. The earliest inscriptions
> mentioning the temple are by Rajendra Chola I and have been dated to 1056 CE*.
> Rajendra Chola I refers to the temple as Kamakoti-Vinnagar and
> Thiruvaykulam.*
>
> Significance:
>
> A Parikara Sthalam for eye-sight issues; Ramanuja is believed to have
> visited.
>
> Architecture:
>
> Features rich Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions, a separate shrine for the
> Goddess Thayar (Shengamalavalli).
>
> The alcove on the outer walls of this sanctum contains beautiful images of
> various forms of Vishnu. Interestingly, in most of these sculptures, Vishnu
> holds the chakra in the prayoga position as though He is just about to
> release it. Also seen here are many excellently wrought miniature
> sculptures like *Yoga "Nrisimha and Kalinga Narthana Krishna*, among
> others. In another separate niche by the side of the sanctum is an image of
> *Vira
> Anjaneya* holding His right hand upraised and his left hand holding a
> lotus. The image of Lord is utterly fascinating and his posture follows the
> episode from the legendary stories associated with the temples.
>
> The architectural craftsmanship of the ancient artists is revealed from
> the wonderful carvings and artistic trappings that adorn the temple and the
> images in temple.
>
> In front of the main sanctum there is erected a mandapa with pillars of
> the Chola age which indicates that this mandapa as also many of the other
> structures in this temple-complex were constructed in the reign of the
> Imperial Chola kings of Tanjavur (9th-13th centuries A.D.), who ruled over
> this area and gave numerous grants for the maintenance of this temple.
>
> This temple has two prakaras, the inner covered one, supported by numerous
> pillars running around the main sanctum. The shrines for Goddess Lakshmi,
> worshipped here as Senkamalavalli Thayar and Andal are seen in the outer
> prakara. Near this temple is another ancient Vishnu shrine for
> Vaikunthanatha which is as old as the Rajagopala Perumal temple. The huge
> idol is seen in a seated posture with the right leg placed in front and
> left leg bent and placed on the pedestal. The inscriptions record the
> different names of Rajagopala Perumal across centuries. The names
> Chaturvedimangalam and Agrahara are indicative of the fact this village,
> like many others in this area, was donated by royalty to scholars learned
> in the Vedas and other sacred lore.
>
> The epigraphs offer an idea of the association of the kings of dynasties
> with this temple. They mention the maha sabha or the administrative unit of
> this village, taxes collected, fines, land assessment, writing of sale
> deeds, standard weights and measures and many other important details from
> times bygone.
>
>
> Chief Deity:
>
> Lord Vishnu (Rajagopalaswamy) in a standing posture, with *Shangu (conch)
> in the right and Chakra (discus) in the left hand.*
>
> The image of Sri Rajagopala Perumal temple is the chief attraction of the
> temple. The presiding deity of the larger temple in Manimangalam is Sri
> Rajagopala Perumal, who is enshrined in the main sanctum facing east. The
> imposing image is immensely captivating and is seen in a standing posture. The
> deity is found to be holding the conch (sankha) and discus (chakra) in His
> upper hands, with His lower right hand in abhaya hasta and lower left hand
> resting on a mace (gada), flanked by Ubhay Nachiyar (Sri Devi and Bhu Devi).
>
> A very unusual and unique aspect of the image of the Lord here is that He
> holds the Sudarsana chakra or discus in His left hand and the sankha or
> conch in His right hand. *In almost all the other temples for Vishnu,
> this deity holds His chakra in His right hand and the conch in His left
> hand. *
>
> *The processional deity (utsava murti) of four-armed Vishnu is* in the
> usual pose of having the chakra in His right hand and sankha in His left,
> flanked by His two consorts.
>
> This is a very simple temple with a vimana . Perumal is in a sitting
> posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The mandapam with sabha was established
> in 1935 with only photos of Krishna. The unique feature of this Sabha has
> two unsymmetrical Lion pillars of the Pallava Period. Rajagopalaswamy
> temple in Manimangalam
>
> Sub deities
>
> Vinayagar sannidhi is on the left side of the entrance. We could find 2
> pillars with Grantha inscriptions. As per the adhistanam and Virudha
> Kumudam, the temple may belong to the Chozha period.
>
> Daily poojas
>
> As in Vishnu temples.
>
> Festival
>
> A temple that once seems to have thrived with rich gifts from the then
> rulers and the devotees alike is now bereft of funds so much so that the
> festivals have been limited to just one - Garuda Seva in Puratasi. The
> temple does not have a gopuram.
>
> Temple timings
>
> Open ·at 6 AM Closes 10:30 am · Reopens at 5 pm again closes at 8 PM
>
> Inscriptions
>
> The inscriptions stamped over the temple walls emphasized the traditional
> importance of the Sri Rajagopala Perumal Temple.. The place Manimangalam
> was associated with the fortunes of many of the ruling dynasties of ancient
> Tamil Nadu. The inscriptions stamped on the temple walls relate to many
> facts about the temple
>
> Current Status:
>
> The temple was under renovation and restoration as of late 2025/early 2026*.
> Almost all renovation works completed now. *
>
> Renovations
>
> Temples in Tamil Nadu that once upon a time flourished with expansive
> gifts from the rulers of those days have deteriorated and today many of
> them are renovated one by one by the Government of Tamilnadu.
>
> One such is the 1000year old Rajagopalaswamy temple in Manimangalam housed
> on a 1 ¼ acre area, about 12kms West of Tambaram, a temple whose
> construction dates back to the Chola period and one that is abound with
> rich stone inscriptions providing us with insights into the glory of this
> temple.
>
> Moolavar Lord Rajagopalaswamy is seen in a standing posture with a Conch
> Shell in his right hand and a discus in his left hand. *This is also a
> temple that Ramanuja is believed to have visited.*
>
> 1000 year old inscriptions
>
> The temple is abound with inscriptions in Tamil and Sanskrit earliest of
> which dates back to the 11th Century AD and continued to find updates of
> contribution to the temple with the passing of each century…..There are
> Several Inscriptions relating to 12Century AD also.
>
> Inscriptions also indicate gifts of several lamps by devotees and *also
> gift of gold to support the continuous burning of the lamps.*
>
> Priest Contact Number
>
> JayaraBhattar @ 88707 25799
>
> How to reach
>
> The temple is about 12kms from Tambaram on the Mudichur road and 5kms from
> Vandalur on the Sriperambudur highway. One can take the Tambaram-
> Sriperambudur bus (route numbers: 55N, 80, 583C, 583D) to reach the temple
>
> Address:
>
> Rajagopala Perumal temple, SH 110, Manimangalam, Tamil Nadu 601301
>
> *Information compiled from different websites and posted by
> R.Gopalakrishnan 20-1-2026*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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