Two steps measured the earth and the heavens; for the third, Mahabali offered his own head. At Kanchipuram, Thiruvikrama stands as the magnificent reminder that the Infinite can transcend every boundary.”
His symbolism is beautifully expressed through His hands:
Left hand with two fingers raised — signifying the two steps with which He measured the earth and heavens.
Right hand with one finger raised — asking where He should place His third step.
Left leg raised high towards the heavens
Because of the immense size of the Moolavar, the main sanctum is traditionally known as Peragam, and the deity as Peragathan. The sanctum has a specially designed hollow roof to accommodate the towering image.
The temple faces west and has a three-tiered Rajagopuram. In front of it is the temple tank known as Naga Pushkarani.
Beyond the Rajagopuram are the Bali Peetham, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar. The sanctum complex consists of the sanctum, antarala, ardha-mandapa and mukha-mandapa. The vimana above the sanctum has seven kalasas.
In front of the Moolavar are the Utsava Murthis of Vishnu with four arms, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Abhishekam is performed to the Utsava Murthis.
Moolavar: Sri Thiruvikrama, also known as Ulagalanthan
Thayar: Sri Aranavalli (Sri Mahalakshmi)
The most extraordinary feature of the temple is the colossal image of Thiruvikrama, traditionally described as approximately 20–25 feet high.
