The Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu is a beautiful ancient temple that is located in Chennai. It is one of the famous Pancha Sabhai temples and a must-visit for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is also a place to visit (Parihara Sthalam) for those of the Bharani Nakshatra and also those seeking to do remedies for Saturn. Dancers offer worship at the temple to improve their talents.
Sculptures At The Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu
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Deities
The main deity in the temple is Vadaranyeswarar. The other names of the deity are Sri Alavana Nathar, Sri Oorthuvadandaveswarar and Sri Devarsingaperuman. The deity in the temple of Lord Nataraja is Rathinasabapathi Eswarar and his consort is Sivakamasundari or Sameesenambikai. One of the Lingams is a crystal or Spadikam Lingam and the other is a Margatham or emerald Lingam. There are many other deities in the temple as well as the statues of Mantreshwar (son of Saturn) and the lingam that he installed and worshipped.
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History
The Cholas built the Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu in the 12th century. The village nearby was Pazhayannur and the location of the temple was Alangadu. Ancient Devara hymns, therefore, refer to the temple as Pazhayannur Azhangadu.
Legend
As per the temple legend, the area around the temple was once densely forested. A Swayambu Lingam was formed there under a banyan tree. This lingam was named Vadaranyeswarar as’ Vadam’ is a name for the banyan tree and ‘Aranyam’ means forest. The legend states that the Devas, Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi also worshipped the Lord at this temple. Therefore the deity is also Devarsingaperuman.
The Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu
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The Legend Of Oordhuva Thandavam
Two demons Sumban and Nisumban obtained boons from Lord Shiva that every drop of their blood that fell on the ground would turn into a Lingam. This made the demons arrogant and so they used their boon to terrorize the Devas. The Devas then turned to Lord Shiva for help. He requested Goddess Parvathi to create the form of Bhadrakali and destroy the demons. Goddess Kali then drank the blood of the demons before the drops fell on the ground and defeated them. However, she was out of control and the Devas ran to Lord Shiva for help again.
But, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Rishi Narada suggested a dance competition in lieu of a fight. Lord Shiva danced in 17 different ways which Goddess Kali easily kept up with. Finally, Lord Shiva danced the Oordhuva Thandavam which is his dance with very fast movements. While dancing he purposefully dropped his right earring. He then stood on his right leg and picked up the fallen earring with the toe of his left leg. Without missing a beat he also wore the earring. The Goddess Kali was unable to keep up with this and so admitted defeat.
Lord Shiva’s Dance Depicted In The Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu
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Pancha Sabhai
Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance at five temples that are referred to as the Pancha Sabhai Sthalams. The Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu is a Pancha Sabhai Sthalam. It is the Rathna Sabhai or the hall of gems. The other Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal are the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, the Kutralanathar Temple, Kutralam/Courtralam as well as the Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli.
Sculptures Of The Nayanars At In The Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu
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Timings And Contact Details
Vadaranyeswarar Temple Contact Number: +91-044-27872074, 9952230906
Address: Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu PO, Thiruthani Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu – 631 210.
Timings: 06:00 am to 12:00 Noon and also from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
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