10. SRI VILVANATHESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUVALAM

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	10th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Thondai Naadu
Thondai Naadu	10th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

Thiruvalam is the place where Lord Vinayaka established the truth that ‘world’ means one’s father and mother. Lord Vinayakar is said to have obtained the divine fruit from his father, Lord Shiva after the circumambulation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. That is why the place is called Thiruvalam (valam in Tamil means making a round). Here the Vinayakar is called “Kani Vangiya Vinayagar” (the lord who received the fruit).This temple is located on the banks of the Neeva river (also called Ponnai River). It is said that Lord Shiva was worshiped by a demon (asura) called Theekkali, so this place is also known as Theekkali Vallam.

This is a huge and beautiful temple, built by the kings of Pallava and Chola dynasties. There are quite a few references of Rajendra Chola in the stone inscriptions. The stone inscriptions in this temple reveal that this was an important pilgrimage centre in the past. We can find references of pilgrims using Thiruvalam as a resting place before journeying to other pilgrimages in southern states and as far off places as Banaras (Kasi) in Uttar Pradesh.

Swayambu lingam:

In ancient times this region was densely covered with Vilva trees.  It is believed that once, a few locals had noticed a cow pouring its milk on a particular ant-hill every day. After clearing that place, they found a Swayambu lingam and built a temple around it.

Nandi executed the lord’s order and killed the demon:

When the temple priest used to bring water for Pooja / Abishekam, he was being troubled by a demon (asura) called Kanjan. The priest complained to Lord Shiva about his troubles and on hearing his plea, Lord Shiva instructed Nandi (his mount) to kill the demon.

Nandi executed the lord’s order and killed the demon. It is said that Nandi tore the demon into eight pieces and these eight parts fell in eight different places – Lalapettai (skull), Seekarajapuram (head), Maveri (chest), Vadakal (right leg), Thenkal (left leg), Maniampattu (wrist), Kugayanallur (intestines), Narasingapuram (nerves) and Maruthampakkam (thorax). Later, in all these places Shiva temples were constructed.

Seeking absolution for his sins, the demon Kanjan pleaded to Lord Shiva. The lord answered his pleas and his request for pardon and granted him “mukti”. The lord also blessed him by saying that wherever his blood had fallen, a Shiva lingam would appear. Even today one can see hundreds of such Shiva lingams on the nearby hill. It is also believed that if one digs anywhere on the hill, he can find a Shiva lingam.

It is believed that since Lord Shiva found that the temple priest was struggling to bring water from the nearby river, he called the river to come near his temple. The river changed its course and started flowing near the temple. Since Lord Shiva called the river to come near to his temple (“nee vaa” meaning come here in Tamil), this river is now called Neeva.

Since the lord instructed the Nandi to safeguard this temple from the demon, the Nandi idol at this temple is seen facing away from the lord and looking towards the nearby hill (Kanjangiri). Nandi fighting with the demon Kanjan is depicted in a sculpture in the hall (Sabha Mandapam) and also in the form of reliefs chiselled on the hall pillars.

Asthi changed to jasmine flowers:

This temple is that once a person was on his way to Kasi to dissolve a relative’s ashes (“Asthi”) in the Ganges. Since Thiruvalam was a famous pilgrimage centre in the past, he decided to take some rest here and he kept the ashes near the temple tank. When he decided to resume his journey, he was surprised to see the Asthi changed to jasmine flowers.

 He proceeded to Kasi as planned and after reaching there, another surprise awaited him – the jasmine flowers had again changed back to ashes. Since he found that the Thiruvalam temple had changed the ashes into jasmine flowers, he decided not to dissolve the ashes in the Ganges, but instead bring it back to this temple and dissolve it in the temple tank itself.

Siddhar Sivanandha Mouna Guru Swamigal’s jeeva Samadhi:

Siddhar Sivanandha Mouna Guru Swamigal’s jeeva samadhi can be seen on the left side of the temple. It is said that he had done a lot of services (Thirupani) for this temple. It is believed that he was blessed by the lord and he had cured many diseases by offering sacred ash (Vibudhi) and Vilva leaves to the patients. He spent all the donations he received for the improvement and renovation of this temple. His idol is kept in the front hall (Mandapam) and devotees regularly perform bhajan and poojas.

Mukthi Sthalam:

Even Saint Thirugnanasambanthar in his hymn has praised Lord Shiva of this temple as the lord who can grant the boon of salvation. This temple is also referred to as a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation).

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 4-tiers.

·        The temple is facing east with an entrance from south.

·        Lord Mahavishnu worshiped Lord Shiva here, his footprint is kept for worship in front of the flag post.

·        There are beautiful sculptures for the 27 Nakshatrams (constellation depicting the birth stars) on one of the towers (Vimaanam).

·        All the pillars are very nicely decorated with beautiful sculptures and reliefs.

·        A small shrine dedicated to Sage Sanakar, a disciple of Lord Dakshinamurthy, can be seen between the idol of Nandhi and Lord Shiva. It is believed that meditating here can relieve devotee from sins of their previous birth.

·        This temple was home to a very old mango tree (almost 1300 years old) but it fell down recently. There is also another old jack fruit tree here.

·        Near the second tower entrance, there is a beautiful bowl chiselled in the stone – depicting the game “Kolattam” – a game often played by ladies.

 TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Vilvanatheswarar, Sri Vallanathar
Ambal	Sri Thanumathyambal, Sri Vallaambikai
Theertham	Gouri Theertham, Neeva River
Sthala Vriksham	Vilvam

BELIEF:

This temple is considered as holy as Lord Vishvanath temple in Kasi. This temple is also referred to as a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation). 

On all full moon days, special poojas are performed to the Shiva lingams in the Kanjan hill.

The event of Lord Shiva granting “mukti” to the demon Kanjan is celebrated in a grand manner on the 10th day of  Thai. On this day, the procession idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Kanjanagiri (a nearby hill).

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Thai	Jan-Feb	10th day Lord Shiva granting “mukti” to the demon Kanjan
Pankuni	Mar-Apr	Brahmotsavam
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Theerthavari in the Neeva river on Masi Makam day

HOW TO REACH:

Thiruvalam is about 130 kms from Koyambedu, Chennai on the Chennai to old Bangalore road. If you are travelling from Chennai, on Chennai to old Bangalore road, the route is Walajapet – Ranipet - Muthukadai – Thiruvalam. From Ranipet, Thiruvalam is at a distance of about 12 kms. It is located near the famous old iron bridge.

Another route to reach Thiruvalam is via Veore. It is 25 kms from Vellore on the Vellore to Katpadi road.

 TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Vilvanatheswarar Temple,

Thiruvalam,

Ranipet Via,

Kudiyatham,

Vellore,

Tamil Nadu – 632 515.

LOCATION: