Thiruvalangadu

Last updated

Thiruvalangadu
Tiruvalangadu6.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
Deity Vadavaraneshwarar(Shiva) Vandar Kuzhalai(Parvathi)
Location
Location Tamil Nadu, India
State Tamil Nadu
Country India
India Tamil Nadu location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates 13°7′48″N79°46′30″E / 13.13000°N 79.77500°E / 13.13000; 79.77500
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture

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.

Contents

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.

Sri Tazhuvikuzhandheswarar Temple is another big temple located about two kilometer far south-easterly to Vedaranyeswarar Temple.

This village is the birthplace of the great Saint Pattinathar

The temple

The temple, built by the Cholas during the 12th century CE (though inscriptions evidence the 5th century CE), is regarded as a sacred Shaivaite temple in that it is one of the 5 majestic cosmic dance halls (pancha sabhai) [1] of Lord Shiva, known as "Ratna Sabai". The other 4 "Sabais" are Chidambaram Nataraja Temple- Kanaka Sabhai, Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai - Rajatha Sabhai), Coutrallam Thirukutralam - Chitra Sabha and Nellaiappar Temple (Tirunelveli - Thamira Sabhai). Legend has it that when the Lord was once entranced in a deep cosmic dance, the jewels from the Lord's anklets fell onto the earth and scattered in 5 places, Thiruvalangadu being one of them. The site is one of the 275 celebrated Shaivaite sites in TN ("Padal Petra Stalam")

The temple is known not only for its architectural splendour, but also for the legends associated with mallikarjuna. The primary deity at the Sanctum is known as "Vadaranyeswarar" and the Lord's consort, "Vandarkuzhali Amman". The sthala Vriksham is a large banyan tree located behind the sanctum on the North East. It is here in this temple that Lord Shiva requested the great Karaikkal Ammeiyar (Peyar) to undertake a marathon walk to Mount Kailash on her head and be an omnipresent witness to his cosmic dance.

The temple is complete in all respects in accordance with the traditional Cholan 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. The temple also sports a Large tank as well.

Shivraathri (during Makara) and Thiruvadirai (during Dhanur) festivals are celebrated in a grand manner in this temple.

Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal

The temples where Shiva is believed to have performed the Cosmic Dance.

CategoryTempleLocationElement
Rathinachabai Vada Aaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvallur, Chennai Emerald
Porchabai Natarajar Temple Chidambaram Gold
Vellichabai Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai Silver
Thamirachabai Nellaiappar Temple Tirunelveli Copper
ChithirachabaiKutralanathar Temple Thirukutralam Art

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kundrathur</span> Taluk Headquarters and Town in Kanchipuram district,Tamil Nadu, India

Kundrathur is a town located in the Chennai Metropolitan Area and the headquarters of Kundrathur taluk in Kanchipuram District. It is the birthplace of Sekkizhar, a well-known poet-saint who authored the Periyapuranam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram</span> Hindu temple of Shiva in Tamil Nadu, India

Thillai Nataraja Temple, also referred as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja and Govindaraja, the form of Shiva as the lord of dance and Maha Vishnu as the Judge of the dance. This temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Govindaraja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Pundarikavalli Thayar. This temple has ancient roots and a Shiva and Maha Vishnu shrine existed at the site when the town was known as Thillai. Chidambaram, the name of the city literally means "stage of consciousness". The temple architecture symbolizes the connection between the arts and spirituality, creative activity and the divine. The temple wall carvings display all the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, and these postures form a foundation of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nellaiappar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

The Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The deity Vishnu is also worshipped here, having witnessed their wedding according to legend. Hence, this temple is regarded as an abhimana kshetram of Vaishnavism. The temple is located on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli district. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, Acharapakkam</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, Acharapakkam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Aksheeswaraswamy or Atchikontantar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Sundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temples has several inscriptions dated to the period of Kulothunga Chola I.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swetharanyeswarar Temple</span> Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Swetharanyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmavidyambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century-CE Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Budha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirukutralam</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Thirukutralam represents one of the five Pancha Sabhas of Nataraja - Chitra Sabhai. The five dance halls of Shiva are Chidambaram, Madurai, Thiruvalangadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Kutralam is also known as Trikootaachalam.

The historical village of Manavur lay 54 kilometers from Chennai on the Central-Arakkonam rail route. This village dates back to as early as the 7th century. Historical facts reveal that Kurumbas ruled the ancient Thondai Mandalam by dividing it into 24 divisions of which Manavur was the 4th division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pancha Sabhai</span> Group of Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, India

The Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal refers to the temples of Nataraja, a form of the Hindu god Shiva where he is regarded to have performed the cosmic dance called the Tandava. All these temples are located in Tamil Nadu, India. The five dance performances were the Kali Tandava at Ratna Sabha in Vada Aaranyeswarar Temple, Ananda Tandava at the Kanaka Sabha in Natarajar Temple, Sandhya Tandava at the Rajata Sabha in Meenakshi Amman Temple, Muni Tandava at the Tamra Sabha at Nellaiappar Temple, and Tripura Tandava at the Chitra Sabha in Kutralanathar Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur or Thirunallur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva in Nallur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 10 km (6.2 mi) away from Kumbakonam, 6 km (3.7 mi) east of Thirukkarugavur, and 30 km (19 mi) south of Thanjavur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masilamaniswara Temple, Thirumullaivoyal</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu

The Masilamaniswara Temple, Thirumullaivoyal or Masilamaniswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirumullaivoyal in the Chennai-Avadi road, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Tevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sakshinatheswarar Temple, Thiruppurambiyam</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Sakshinatheswarar Temple or Thiruppurambiyam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Shiva located in Thiruppurambiyam, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Sakshinathar, and is represented here by a Lingam. His consort, Parvati, is depicted as Ikshuvani. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets, known as the Nayanmaars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Pondicherry, India

Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple or Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in a village, Thirunallar of karaikal district of Union territory of Puducherry (24 km from Nagapattinam town of Tamil Nadu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple</span> Indian Hindu temple

Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruvalangadu, a western suburb of Chennai, India. It was built by the Cholas during the 12th century CE. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ninra Narayana Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Virudhunagar

Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple or Thiruthankaal in Thiruthangal, a town in the outskirts of Sivakasi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Ninra Narayana and his consort Lakshmi as Arunakamala Mahadevi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karunellinathar temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Karunellinathar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Thiruthangal, a town in the outskirts of Sivakasi, a in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Karunellinathar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Chokki Amman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chandramouleeswar Temple, Thiruvakkarai</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Chandramowleeswarar Temple, Thiruvakkarai in Thiruvakkarai, a village in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Tamilian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. The temple has received gracious endowments from the Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. Shiva is worshipped as Chandramowleeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Amirthambigai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruverkadu</span> Hindu temple of Shiva in Thiruverkadu, India

Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruverkadu, a Municipality in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Balambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pushpavaneswarar temple</span> Temple in India

Pushpavaneswarar temple in Thirupuvanam, a town in Sivaganga district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Pushpavaneswarar and his consort Parvathi as Soundaranayagi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veerateeswarar Temple, Vazhuvur</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Veerateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Vazhuvur in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva in the form of Veerateswarar and his consort is known as Bala Gujambigai. The village is mentioned in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Vaippu Sthalam, the 276 temples that find mention in it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirumeninathar temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Thirumeninathar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirumeninathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thunaimalaiyammai Amman. The temple is located on the Virudhunagar–Manamadurai road. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century-CE Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely associated with Sundarar, who has sung praises about the presiding deity. This shrine is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamil Nadu.

References

  1. Rajarajan, R.K.K. (2014). "Pañcanṛtyasabhās: Dancing Halls Five". Religions of South Asia. 8 (2): 197–216. doi:10.1558/rosa.v8i2.197 via www.academia.edu.