Thiruvalangadu Vadaaraneswarar Temple

Thiruvalangadu, also known as Tiruvalankadu (the correct pronunciation), but often written as Tiruvalangadu or Thiruvalangadu, is a picturesque village situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This tranquil hamlet is nestled amidst well-known localities such as Tiruttani and Tiruvallur, and it's approximately 70 kilometers away from the bustling city of Chennai. Thiruvalangadu boasts a prominent landmark in the form of the Vadaaraneswarar Temple, which holds the esteemed status of being the 15th Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam among the 274 most significant Lord Shiva temples in the Thondai region. Locally, this sacred site is often referred to as the Nataraja Temple due to its association with the Ratna Sabha, one of the five most revered sanctuaries dedicated to Nataraja.

Highlights:

• Sambandhar, Sundarar and Appar have revered the temple in their verses in Devaram.
• God - Vadaaraneswarar
• Other Names - Devarsinga Peruman, Aalankattu Appan, 
• Goddess - Vandarkuzhali or Brahmaralakambal
• Teerth (Holy water) - Chendradu Teerth, Mukti Teerth 
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy tree) - Jack Fruit Tree - Pala in Tamil (as per few, it might be Banyan - Aalam in Tamil)
• 15th Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam located in the Thondai region
• Urdhav Tandava posture by Natraja
• One of the Five Sabhas of Natraj - Ratna Sabha
• Karkotaka and the sage Sunanta are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Legend:

Kali dancing with Nataraj

The temple is associated with a captivating legend where Kali, after vanquishing the Asuras Sumbha and Nisumbha, became uncontrollably furious. In response to the pleas of sages, Lord Shiva arrived at this very spot. A dance competition ensued between Shiva and Kali, where Shiva's divine prowess was showcased as he effortlessly picked up his earring with his left toe, a feat Kali couldn't replicate. Kali admitted her defeat, signifying a remarkable divine contest in this quaint village.

Karaikkal Ammaiyar

Another legend revolves around Karaikkal Ammaiyar, who miraculously reached this village with her head inverted. She had a divine vision of Nataraja at this location, and Shiva affectionately addressed her as "Ammaiye" during this encounter.

History:

Inscriptions suggest that the temple, originally from the Pallava period, underwent renovations by the Cholas in the 11th and 12th centuries CE.

Temple Layout:

This east-facing temple boasts a grand five-tiered Raja Gopura (tower) at the entrance, adorned with intricate stucco images. Notable sub-shrines include Karpaga Ganapati with twelve arms with Siddhi, and Shanmukha-Valli-Devasena.

Inside, there's a 16-pillared mandap followed by a majestic 100-pillared mandapa.

Presiding Deities

The main sanctum houses the imposing Shiv Linga, Vadaaraneswarar, accompanied by Dwarapalas and an icon of Lord Ganesha at the entrance.

Goddess Vandarkuzhali resides in a separate south-facing shrine, depicted with four arms in a standing posture.

The Ardha Mandapa features icons of Nataraja and Shivakami, along with relief images of Ganesha and Subramanya.

Nandi mandapa, bali peeth and the flag staff are found facing towards the sanctum. 

Ratna Sabha

The temple's maha mandapa houses the renowned Ratna Sabha, one of Natraj's five Sabhas, where he is depicted in the Urdhav Tandava posture. He is also called as Ratna Sabhapati.Adjacent to Natraja, you'll find Shivakami and the utsav image of Karaikkal Ammaiyar.

Koshta Icons

Numerous niche images adorn the sanctum walls, including Nritya Ganapati, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, Durga, and the unique Durga Parameswarara. Chandikeshwara is also found in his customary location.

Inner Prakara

There are lot of icons found in the inner prakara. They include:

• Surya
• Chandra
• Adhikara Nandi
• Vijayaraghava with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi
• Shanmukha-Valli-Devasena
• A big and beautiful Agora Veerabhadra
• Ganesha
• Sapta Matas
• Shasta
• Nalvar
• Karaikkal Ammaiyar
• Few Sages
• A unique image of Chandesa Anugraha Murti
• Small images of Vadaaraneswarar and Vandarkuzhali
• Agasteeswarar Shiv Linga
• Sarpa Raja
• Kailasanath Shiv Linga
• Ramalingeswar Shiv Linga
• Ekambaranatha Shiv Linga with Kamakshi
• Valmikinatha Shiv Linga
• Eight different forms of Ganesha
• Gaja Lakshmi
• Three Shiv Lingas together
• Dakshinamurti

Apart from the icons stated above, there are few sub-shrines located in the prakara, which include:

• Ganesha
• Sapta Lingas
• Kuzhaindeeswarar Shiv Linga and Soundarya Nayaki
• Sahasra Linga
• Subramanya-Valli-Devasena
• Utsav images of Uma and Satyojatha Murti
• Bhairava
• Utsav icon of Bhadra Kali

Outer Prakara

The vast outer prakara encompasses the sacred Sthala Vruksha, home to a Shiv Linga and Nandi beneath its branches, enclosed by fortress walls.

Kali Temple

Situated about 300-400 meters from the main temple, a small shrine dedicated to Bhadra Kali can be found, featuring a serene image  of Kali. Additionally, there is a substantial temple tank located outside the temple complex.

Happy travelling.