THESRI VADARANYESWARAR TEMPLE - THIRUVALANGADU, TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT- TAMIL NADU
Introduction
The Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple in Thiruvalangadu, TiruvallurDistrict of Tamil
Nadu, a significant Shiva temple known as the Rathna Sabha(Gem Stage) among the
five cosmic dance halls (Pancha Sabhai) of Lord Shiva,where Karaikkal Ammaiyar
witnessed his cosmic dance, and the presiding deity isVadaranyeswarar,
aself-manifested lingam under a banyan tree. It is one of the 32Saiva temples
in Tondai Nadu which have been sung in the thevarams. The site isone of the 275
celebrated Shaivaite sites in TN ("Padal PetraStalam"). This temple is amongst
the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights:
Deities: Lord Shiva (Vadaranyeswarar) and Goddess Parvati-(VandarkuzhaliAmman)
Significance: It's one of the Pancha Sabhai Sthalams, whereLord Shiva performed
his cosmic dance (Ananda Tandavam).
Mythology: This is where the great devotee Karaikkal Ammaiyar walked on herhead
to see Shiva's dance, and the place is named after the densebanyan forest (Vata
Aranyam) that once covered it.
Festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Aruthra Darshanam (duringMargazi) are celebrated
grandly.
Architecture: Built in traditional Chola style, featuring amassive tank and the
'Rathna Sabai'.
Location: Thiruvalangadu, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu,India.
Legend
Legend has it that, the Thiruvalangadu temple is where thedance contest between
Kali and Nataraja took place. During the UrdhavaThandavam, Lord Siva dropped
His ear ring, picked it up with His left toe andput it back in His ear. Unable
to replicate this, Kali accepted defeat. What isthe significance of
Thiruvalangadu?
History
Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple inThiruvalangadu, in Tiruvallur
district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built bythe Cholas during the 12thcentury
CE. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal PetraSthalams.
Architecture
The temple is known not only for its architectural splendour,but also for the
legends associated with Mallikarjuna. Thiruvaalangadu alsohouses the
Rathinasabai - which is one of the panchasabais for Lord Nataraja.
The temple is complete in all respects in accordance with thetraditional Chozha
temple architecture that is typical of a Shaivaite shrine.The shrine's
importance is enhanced by the mystic location of the temple onwhat was once a
forest of banyan trees.
Deities
The presiding deity of the temple is Vadaranyeswarar. Hisconsort is known as
Vandarkuzhali. This is one of the Pancha Sabhai.
Sub deities
Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Adhikara Nandi, Ganesha,
Murugan(Shanmukha-Valli-Devasena), Dakshinamurti, Brahma, Durga, Bhairavar,
SaptaMatas, Ayyappan, Kasi Viswanathar, Veerabhadra, Chandikeswarar,
Lakshmi,Vijayaraghavaperumal, alongside shrines for the Nayanmars like
KaraikkalAmmaiyar, and various Lingams (Pancha Bhoota Lingams, Sahasra Lingam,
etc.).
The temple also has shrines for Karkodagar, Sage Munjikesar,and separate
shrines for Bhadra Kali Amman, reflecting a rich Shaivite,Vaishnavite, and
Shakta tradition.
Key Sub-Deities & Shrines:
Goddesses: Brahmarambal (Alavanayaki/Vandarkuzhali), Durga,Bhadra Kali Amman,
Gaja Lakshmi, Kamakshi (with Ekambaranathar).
Gods:
Lord Shiva's Forms: Devarsingaperuman, Alavanathar,Oorthuvadandaveswarar,
Maruntheishwarar (Mantheeswarar).
Vishnu: Vijayaraghavaperumalwith Sridevi & Bhudevi.
Others: Ganesha (multiple forms), Murugan (with Valli &Devasena), Ayyappan,
Veerabhadra, Bhairavar, Surya, Chandra, Dakshinamurti,Brahma.
Sages & Saints: Nalvar (Appar, Sambandhar, Sundarar,Manikkavasagar), Karaikkal
Ammaiyar, Sage Patanjali, Sage Munjikesar.
Other Shrines: Sapta Matas (Seven Mothers), Karkodagar(Serpent King),
Chandikeswarar, Pancha Bhoota Lingams, Sahasra Lingam.
Special Mentions:
Nataraja: The temple houses the Rathinasabai (Emerald Stage)for Lord Nataraja,
central to the Pancha Sabhai Sthalams.
Karaikkal Ammaiyar: Her Jeeva Samadhi (living tomb) is asignificant spot within
the temple complex.
Poojas
Daily poojas at Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar Templeinclude morning and
evening rituals like Abhishekam (anointing) and Archana(chanting), generally
starting with temple opening around 6 AM and closingaround 8 PM, with specific
timings for main poojas (like Kalashanthi,Uchikalam, Sayarakshai) occurring
throughout the day, focusing on LordVadaranyeswarar and Goddess Vandarkuzhali,
especially for the Natarajar shrine.
Mandi pooja
Thiruvalangadu temple is deeply connected to Mandhi (son ofSaturn) because
Mandhi performed penance there to remove a dosham (sin) after alizard fell on
him, leading Lord Shiva to grant him relief, making it asignificant site for
Mandhi Shanti Pujas (remedial rituals) to alleviateastrological afflictions
related to this shadow planet.
Worshipping Mandheeswarar(Lord Shiva) at this temple, especially on Saturdays,
helps devotees resolveissues like marriage, career, and legal troubles caused
by Mandhi's unfavorableposition in their horoscopes.
The Legend of Mandhi atThiruvalangadu
The Sin: Mandhi, the son of Saturn (Saneeswaran), incurred asin when a lizard
fell on him during his penance.
Seeking Guidance: He asked his father, Saneeswaran, how toremove this dosham.
The Lord's Command: Saneeswaran advised Mandhi to pray toLord Shiva at
Thiruvalangadu.
Penance & Relief: Mandhi installed a Lingam, performedpuja for 48 days (a
mandalam), and Lord Shiva appeared, absolving him of hissin.
Significance for Mandhi Pooja
Remedy for Doshas: This legend makes Thiruvalangadu apowerful place for Mandhi
Shanti Puja, a ritual to mitigate the malefic effectsof Mandhi in one's
horoscope.
Astrological Benefits: Performing this puja helps resolveobstacles in marriage,
childbirth, business, and success, as well as legalbattles.
When to Perform: It is recommended to perform these pujas onSaturdays, as
Saturn rules this day.
Location: The ritual is often performed in a Yagashalaoutside the main
Vadaranyeswarar Temple complex
Speciality
This temple is known as Gem Sabha, the Rathna Sabha. In this temple Shiva
addressed Hisdevotee Karaikkal Ammaiyar as "amma", the mother. She enjoyed
theShiva and Parvati dance here. She reached the temple by head as shethought
walking by feet in this shrine was a sin. This village is thebirthplace of the
great Saint Pattinathar.
Those worshipped
Karkkodagan, Sunanda rishi, Gnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar,Karaikkal Ammaiyar,
Paranadeva Nayanar, Pattinatthu Pillaiyar, and Sekkizharworshipped the
presiding deity of the temple
What is theThiruvalangadu Sivan Temple famous for?
This temple is amongst the greatest Shiva Temples of TamilNadu. The temple is
known not only for its architectural splendour, but alsofor the legends
associated with Mallikarjuna.
Can anyone attend theThiruvalangadu Mandhi Pooja?
Yes, anyone can attend the Thiruvalangadu Mandhi Pooja; it'sa specific Graha
Dosha Nivaran Puja for mitigating negative planetary effects(especially
Mandhi/Saturn-related issues like career, marriage, finance) thatcan be
performed by individuals or couples, irrespective of age, seekingspiritual
remedies at the temple dedicated to Mandheeswarar-sub deity in thetemple.
Temple tree and well
The sthala Vriksham is a large banyan tree located behind thesanctum on the
North East. The temple also sports a Large tank as well.
Festivals
Shivraathri (during Makara) and Thiruvadirai (during Dhanur)festivals are
celebrated in a grand manner in this temple.
Saints sang on thetemple
Saints Sambanthar has sung one pathigam (a form of poetry),Appar two pathigams
and Sundarar one pathigam in praise of the Lord atThiruvaalangadu.
Kaaraikaal Ammaiyar,one of the foremost of the 63 devotees of Lord Siva, who
sought and obtained a ghostform and added the signature of 'Kaaraikaal Pei'
(the ghost of Kaariakaal) toher poetry, is said to have walked into this place
on her head - consideringeven the soil around too holy to be stepped on. She
has composed the famous'Moothathirupadhigam', the 'Thiruirrattaimanimalai' and
the'Arpudhathiruvandhadhi' in praise of the Lord. She attained spiritual bliss
andsalvation at Thiruvaalangadu and it is believed that she still sits beneath
the Lord's feet, singing hisglory when He dances.
Idols
Lord Nataraja at Thiruvaalangadu is exquisite andcaptivating. At the
Rathinasabai the Lord is seen with his consort, GoddessSivagami on His right
and Kaaraikaal Ammayar singing on his left.
Location
Thiruvalangadu is a village in the western suburbs of Chennai,India. The
railway stationis located on the Chennai-Arakkonam Route, the penultimate
stationbefore Arakkonam.SriVadaranyeswarar Temple is situated at a distance of
5 km from the station.It can also be accessed by road on NH205
(Chennai-Avadi-Tiruvallur-Reniguntaroute). A slight detour of about 6 km from
NH205 on to the left takes one tothe temple town of Thiruvalangadu.
Timings:
5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Address of the temple
Arulmigu Vadaranyeeswarar Temple, Tiruvalangadu - 631210,
How to reach thetemple
By Train: The Thiruvalangadu railway station is about 2kilometres from the
temple and has train services to neighbouring towns andcities. For your
convenience, regular suburban trains run to and from Chennai Centraland
Thiruvalangadu.
By Roads: Well connected by roads, Thiruvalangadu has busesregularly from
Chennai and other nearby towns Connected through NH716 fromChennai, you can
enjoy a smooth ride.
Administration
HR and CE Government of Tamilnadu
Compiled and posted by -R.Gopalakrishnan 16-01-2026
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