Perumaal

Perumaal, often spelled Perumal, is a Tamil honorific used for Vishnu, the principal deity of Vaishnavism. In Tamil-speaking regions and among Tamil communities worldwide, Perumaal denotes the Supreme being and is applied to the various forms and manifestations of Vishnu worshipped in temples and home shrines. The term reflects reverence, majesty, and protective benevolence attributed to Vishnu.

Etymology and usage. Perumal derives from Tamil and is commonly interpreted as “the great lord” or “the exalted one.” It is attached to the names of specific Vishnu forms and temples, such as Ranganathaswamy (Srirangam) and Varadharaja Perumal (Kanchipuram), indicating both devotional identity and temple affiliation. Variants in transliteration include Perumal, Perumaal, or Perumaḷ.

Worship and iconography. In temple iconography, Perumal is represented as Vishnu in his various forms—standing, reclining, or seated—often with Lakshmi, his consort. Common attributes include the conch (shankha) and discus (chakra), symbols of divine sovereignty. Prominent Perumal temples host daily rituals, festive processions, and classical Vaishnavite music and poetry. Notable examples include the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.

Cultural significance. Perumaal is central to Tamil Vaishnavism, with many works in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham praising Vishnu as Perumal. The deity features prominently in temple festivals, pilgrimages, and devotional literature, shaping regional religious identity and practice.

Other uses. Beyond deities, Perumal is also used as a masculine given name in Tamil communities, reflecting cultural reverence for Vishnu and his aspects.