The Temple is also VaTa Aranyeswarar Temple and Tiruvalangadu is a few
Kilometers away from Tiruvallur Town. The Temple has three concentric
massive compound walls or 3 corridors and between each of the compound wall
there is a four pillared Maha Mandapam. The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers and
East facing. To begin with there is a 16 pillared Mandapam close to which a
paid car parking is available. The Temple's Chariot has been enclosed and
kept under a massive concrete structure and they have built around 20 steps
to reach it. This Temple is construed as one of the 276 Paadal Petra
Sthalam and the 15th Shiva Sthalam of its kind in Thondai Naadu. There are
a pair of Dwarabalakas at the threshold of the Moolasthanam. The Presiding
Deity who is East facing is in the form of a Swayambhumoorthy Shiva LIngam
known as Vadaranyeswarar. He is also known as Sree Alavana Nathar or Sri
Oothruvadandaveswarar or Sri Devarisingaperuman. His Consort is known as
Vandarkuzhali Ambal who has a few aliases viz. Sri Brahmarambal or
Alavanayagi. This Temple gains prominence since Natarajar competed fiercely
with Goddess Kaali in a dance and the Hall or the Mandapam where the dance
was held is called as Rathina Sabhai or Rathna Sabhai. The eventual winner
was obviously Lord Natarajar and hence He is praised here as Rathina Sabapathi
Easwarar. His Consort Sivagama Sundari was praised as Sameesenambikai. The
Temple Priests perform Abhishekam for Natarajar in a 100 pillared hall
where two Shiva Lingams, one made of Sapadigam or Crystal and the other
made of Maragadham or Emerald is kept. All the three Tamil Saints Appar,
Sundarar, Sammandhar had sung in Praise of this Temple and so is Kaaraikal
Ammaiyar. The Temple construction is believed to have been started during
the tenure of King Paranthaka Cholan I. At the entry point of the Temple
there are two Sub Shrines on either sides for Vallaba Ganapathi and Valli
Devasena Samedha Shanmugar as though they are welcoming. Likewise a distant
Shrine for Goddess Kaali is seen and it is believed that She came and
settled here after being defeated in the dance performance. There are Sub
Shrines for different Gods such as Vinayagar, Murugan, Vijaya Raghava
Perumal, Kasi Viswanathar, Ahora Veera Badrar, Kaaraikal Ammaiyar, Pancha
Boodha Lingams, Sahasra Lingam, Aiyappan, Dakshinamoorthy, Chandikeshwarar,
Brahmma, Durgai, Durga Parameshwarar, Saint Munjikesar, Sooryan, Chandran,
Naalvar, Bhadra Kaali Amman, Sapthamathas, Bhairavar and Kaarkodagar. This
place is very well known since Maantheeswar installed a Lingam and
worshipped and hence it is widely believed that those coming here and
praying before Lord Vadaranyeshwarar would get rid of all their Marriage
obstacles. Since Maantheeswar happens to be the son of Sani Bhagwan, Poojas
and Parihaarams related to Sani Dhosham can be done. Devotees afflicted
with Bharani Nakshatram come here for their betterment. The place where
Kaaraikal Ammaiyar attained Mukthi and Jeeva Samadhi is located in one
corner of the Temple. In modern days those aspiring to reach greater
heights in fine arts such as singing, dancing etc make it a point to come
and Pray to Lord Vadaraneswarar. The Sthala Viruksham of this Temple is
said to be a Banyan Tree and the Sacred Tank or Theertham are known as
Mukthi Theertham, Sivakara Theertham and Sendradu Theertham. The Temple has
a Ghoshala with several cattles and all the haystack meant for them are
pilled up in a nearby pillared Mandapam. The only sore point is that the
Temple has enormous vacant space within its premises where they could be
nutured a good Nandhavanam or a Temple Garden, but instead only a few
rickety trees are grown. It would be nice if the authorities rise up to the
occasion and make sure that a good Temple Garden exists. This Temple comes
under the care and control of Thiruthani Murugan Temple.
THERE IS SI,ILAR NAMED TEMPLE AT MAYAVARAM. The Banyan tree (*Ficus
benghalensis*) is known as Vata or Vata-vriksha in Sanskrit, often referred
to as a sacred, long-lived, and sprawling evergreen tree. It is a revered
symbol in Indian culture representing eternal life, wisdom, and shelter,
with its aerial roots forming new trunks. it is wrongly written as "vada"
=north; it is VATA ARANYAM =aalamara @ BANYAN FOREST and easwara there.
VATA AARANYA EASWARAR .
K RAJARAM IRS 16126
On Fri, 16 Jan 2026 at 11:52, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:
> THE SRI VADARANYESWARAR TEMPLE - THIRUVALANGADU, TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT- TAMIL
> NADU
>
> Introduction
>
> The Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple in Thiruvalangadu, Tiruvallur District 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 is Vadaranyeswarar, *a self-manifested lingam under a banyan tree. *It
> is one of the 32 Saiva temples in Tondai Nadu which have been sung in the
> thevarams. The site is one of the 275 celebrated Shaivaite sites in TN
> ("Padal Petra Stalam"). This temple is amongst the greatest Shiva Temples
> of Tamil Nadu.
>
> Key Highlights:
>
> Deities: Lord Shiva (Vadaranyeswarar) and Goddess Parvati-(Vandarkuzhali
> Amman)
>
> Significance: It's one of the Pancha Sabhai Sthalams, where Lord Shiva
> performed his cosmic dance (Ananda Tandavam).
>
> Mythology: This is where the great devotee *Karaikkal Ammaiyar walked on
> her head* to see Shiva's dance, and the place is named after the dense
> banyan forest (Vata Aranyam) that once covered it.
>
> Festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Aruthra Darshanam (during Margazi) are
> celebrated grandly.
>
> Architecture: Built in traditional Chola style, featuring a massive tank
> and the 'Rathna Sabai'.
>
> Location: Thiruvalangadu, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
>
> Legend
>
> Legend has it that, the Thiruvalangadu temple is where the dance contest
> between Kali and Nataraja took place. During the Urdhava Thandavam, Lord
> Siva dropped His ear ring, picked it up with His left toe and put it back
> in His ear. Unable to replicate this, Kali accepted defeat. What is the
> significance of Thiruvalangadu?
>
> History
>
> Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruvalangadu, in
> Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by the Cholas during
> the *12th century CE*. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra
> Sthalams.
>
> Architecture
>
> The temple is known not only for its architectural splendour, but also for
> the legends associated with Mallikarjuna. Thiruvaalangadu also houses the
> Rathinasabai - which is one of the panchasabais for Lord Nataraja.
>
> The temple is complete in all respects in accordance with the traditional
> Chozha temple architecture that is typical of a Shaivaite shrine. The
> shrine's importance is enhanced by the mystic location of the temple on
> what was once a forest of banyan trees.
>
> Deities
>
> The presiding deity of the temple is Vadaranyeswarar. His consort 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, Sapta
> Matas, Ayyappan, Kasi Viswanathar, Veerabhadra, Chandikeswarar, Lakshmi,
> Vijayaraghavaperumal, alongside shrines for the Nayanmars like Karaikkal
> Ammaiyar, 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: Vijayaraghavaperumal with 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 a significant spot
> within the temple complex.
>
> Poojas
>
> Daily poojas at Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple include morning
> and evening rituals like Abhishekam (anointing) and Archana (chanting),
> generally starting with temple opening around 6 AM and closing around 8 PM,
> with specific timings for main poojas (like Kalashanthi, Uchikalam,
> Sayarakshai) occurring throughout the day, focusing on Lord Vadaranyeswarar
> and Goddess Vandarkuzhali, especially for the Natarajar shrine.
>
> Mandi pooja
>
> Thiruvalangadu temple is deeply connected to Mandhi (son of Saturn)
> because Mandhi performed penance there to remove a dosham (sin) after a
> lizard fell on him, leading Lord Shiva to grant him relief, making it a
> significant site for Mandhi Shanti Pujas (remedial rituals) to alleviate
> astrological afflictions related to this shadow planet.
>
> *Worshipping Mandheeswarar (Lord Shiva) at this temple, especially on
> Saturdays, helps devotees resolve issues like marriage, career, and legal
> troubles caused by Mandhi's unfavorable position in their horoscopes.*
>
> The Legend of Mandhi at Thiruvalangadu
>
> The Sin: Mandhi, the son of Saturn (Saneeswaran), incurred a sin when a
> lizard fell on him during his penance.
>
> Seeking Guidance: He asked his father, Saneeswaran, how to remove this
> dosham.
>
> The Lord's Command: Saneeswaran advised Mandhi to pray to Lord Shiva at
> Thiruvalangadu.
>
> Penance & Relief: Mandhi installed a Lingam, performed puja for 48 days (a
> mandalam), and Lord Shiva appeared, absolving him of his sin.
>
> Significance for Mandhi Pooja
>
> Remedy for Doshas: This legend makes Thiruvalangadu a powerful place for
> Mandhi Shanti Puja, a ritual to mitigate the malefic effects of Mandhi in
> one's horoscope.
>
> Astrological Benefits: Performing this puja helps resolve obstacles in
> marriage, childbirth, business, and success, as well as legal battles.
>
> When to Perform: It is recommended to perform these pujas on Saturdays, as
> Saturn rules this day.
>
> Location: The ritual is often performed in a Yagashala outside the main
> Vadaranyeswarar Temple complex
>
> Speciality
>
> This temple is known as Gem Sabha, the Rathna Sabha. *In this temple
> Shiva addressed His devotee Karaikkal Ammaiyar as "amma", the mother. She
> enjoyed the Shiva and Parvati dance here*. She reached the temple by head
> as she thought walking by feet in this shrine was a sin. This village is
> the birthplace of the great Saint Pattinathar.
>
> Those worshipped
>
> Karkkodagan, Sunanda rishi, Gnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Karaikkal
> Ammaiyar, Paranadeva Nayanar, Pattinatthu Pillaiyar, and Sekkizhar
> worshipped the presiding deity of the temple
>
> What is the Thiruvalangadu Sivan Temple famous for?
>
> This temple is amongst the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu. The
> temple is known not only for its architectural splendour, but also for the
> legends associated with Mallikarjuna.
>
> Can anyone attend the Thiruvalangadu Mandhi Pooja?
>
> Yes, anyone can attend the Thiruvalangadu Mandhi Pooja; it's a specific
> Graha Dosha Nivaran Puja for mitigating negative planetary effects
> (especially Mandhi/Saturn-related issues like career, marriage, finance)
> that can be performed by individuals or couples, irrespective of age,
> seeking spiritual remedies at the temple dedicated to Mandheeswarar-sub
> deity in the temple.
>
> Temple tree and well
>
> The sthala Vriksham is a large banyan tree located behind the sanctum 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 the temple
>
> Saints Sambanthar has sung one pathigam (a form of poetry), Appar two
> pathigams and Sundarar one pathigam in praise of the Lord at
> Thiruvaalangadu.
>
> *Kaaraikaal Ammaiyar, one of the foremost of the 63 devotees of Lord Siva*,
> who sought and obtained a ghost form and added the signature of 'Kaaraikaal
> Pei' (the ghost of Kaariakaal) to her poetry, is said to have walked into
> this place on her head - considering even 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 and salvation at Thiruvaalangadu and *it
> is believed that she still sits beneath the Lord's feet, singing his glory
> when He dances.*
>
> Idols
>
> Lord Nataraja at Thiruvaalangadu is exquisite and captivating. At the
> Rathinasabai the Lord is seen with his consort, Goddess Sivagami on His
> right and Kaaraikaal Ammayar singing on his left.
>
> Location
>
> Thiruvalangadu is a village in the western suburbs of Chennai, India. *The
> railway station is located on the Chennai-Arakkonam Route*, the
> penultimate station before Arakkonam.*Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is
> situated at a distance of 5 km from the station*. It can also be accessed
> by road on NH205 (Chennai-Avadi-Tiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight
> detour of about 6 km from NH205 on to the left takes one to the 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 the temple
>
> By Train: The Thiruvalangadu railway station is about 2 kilometres from
> the temple and has train services to neighbouring towns and cities. For
> your convenience, regular suburban trains run to and from Chennai Central
> and Thiruvalangadu.
>
> By Roads: Well connected by roads, Thiruvalangadu has buses regularly from
> Chennai and other nearby towns Connected through NH716 from Chennai, 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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