Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, located in Thirunindravur, a western suburb of Chennai, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil canon by the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, where Vishnu is worshipped as Bhaktavatsala Perumal, alongside his consort, Lakshmi, known as Ennai Petra Thayar.
Believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas in the late 8th century CE, the temple later saw contributions from the Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. Enclosed by a granite wall, the temple complex includes several shrines and two water bodies. A striking four-tiered rajagopuram serves as the temple's main gateway, showcasing the intricate artistry typical of Dravidian architecture. The temple hosts six daily rituals and three annual festivals, with Krishna Janmashtami being the most prominent.
According to the temple's Sthala Purana, Bhaktavatsala Perumal is said to have appeared to Kubera. Another legend holds that Varuna, the god of waters, worshipped Vishnu at this site. It is also believed that Vishnu and Lakshmi rested in this area, leading to the town's name, Thirunindravur. Notably, the Alvar saint Thirumangai Alvar is connected to the temple through a narrative that emphasizes the divine presence of Bhaktavatsala Perumal.
The temple's history can be traced back to the Pallava period in the 9th century, as evidenced by various inscriptions. The earliest inscriptions date between 820 and 890 CE, during the reign of Nripatungavarman. Inscriptions from later Chola kings, such as Rajendra Chola II and Virarajendra Chola, further establish the temple's historical significance. Pallava inscriptions refer to this location as Ninravur and sometimes as Virudhurajabhayankar-chaturvertimangalam, indicating its importance within the broader historical context of the region.