Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple, situated in Thiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu, boasts a rich history spanning over 2000 years. Within its sacred walls, Bhagavan Shiva is venerated as Vadaranyeswarar and Thevar Singha Peruman, while Goddess Parvati is adored as Vandarkuzhali.
This temple's origin is rooted in a dense jungle of banyan
trees, where Mahadeva Shiva emerged as a swayambu. Hence, Bhagavan is
affectionately known as Vada Aaranya Easwarar, signifying the "Lord of the
jungle of the north."
Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple – Story
In this banyan forest, two demons named Sumba and Nisumba
established their abode, causing distress to the Devas (celestial beings). In
their plight, the Devas beseeched Mother Shiva Parvathi for protection. In
response, Mother Parvathi created a fearsome manifestation, Kali, who
vanquished the demons and drank their blood, growing more formidable with each
drop.
Upon the request of Sage Munjikesa Karkodaka, Mahadeva Shiva
arrived at the scene. Kali, in her ferocity, challenged Mahadev to a dance-off,
promising to relinquish her claim to the territory if He emerged victorious.
The dance commenced, during which Bhagavan Shiva exhibited a remarkable feat by
dropping His earring, catching it with the toe of His left foot, and
reattaching it to His ear, all while dancing. Kali conceded defeat,
acknowledging the unmatched prowess of Mahadev. She proclaimed that those who
come to worship Shiva Bhagavan in this sacred place must first pay homage to
her to fully benefit from their devotion. Consequently, Kali has her own temple
in this divine complex.
The temple enshrines a swayambhu murti form of Mahadeva
Shiva. Among the five renowned dance temples dedicated to Bhagavan Shiva, this
temple is celebrated as the "Gem Sabha" or "Rathna Sabha."
Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple And Karaikal Ammaiyar
Notably, it was at this temple that Lord Shiva
affectionately addressed the great Shiva devotee Karaikal Ammaiyar as
"Ammaye." Ammayar, in a unique display of devotion, watched the
Lord's dance performance while standing on her head, believing that walking to
the Lord's shrine with her feet was a sin. Her journey to this temple brought
her ultimate bliss. The revered female saint Karaikal Ammaiyar composed her
Mootha Thirupathigam hymn in this very temple. The temple's chariot is
exquisitely crafted in the shape of a lotus flower.
This temple holds a special place in the hearts of saints,
as it was praised by saints Sambandar, Tirunavikkarasar, and Sundar in their
celebrated Thevaram hymns. It is the 15th temple in the Thondai region
mentioned in Thevaram hymns.
The Margazhi Tiruvadhirai festival, celebrated in
December-January, is a significant event in the temple. Various other
Shiva-related festivals are devoutly observed, with devotees performing
abhishekam (ritual bathing) and pujas to honor Lord Shiva on Tiruvadhirai
festival day.
Aspiring dancers seeking mastery in their art often offer
their prayers to Vadaranyeswarar, making this temple a revered destination for
them.
The temple's sacred tree is the jackfruit tree, and its holy
pond is known as Muthi.
The shrine is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM