Thiruvalleswarar Temple, Padi [Thiruvalithayam]

Thiruvalleswarar Temple, Thiruvalithayam: Chennai’s Ancient Abode of Shiva

Searching for spiritual solace in Chennai? Look no further than the Arulmigu Thiruvalleswarar Temple in Padi, Thiruvalithayam! This ancient Shiva temple isn’t just a historical gem; it’s a vibrant spiritual hub renowned for clearing Guru Dosham and removing marriage obstacles.

Believed to be a “Bhoologa Kailasam” (Heaven on Earth) where Lord Shiva bestows liberation, this temple houses a Swayambu Lingam (self-manifested idol). Join us on a journey to explore its rich history, captivating legends, unique features, and how you can experience its divine grace.

A Glimpse into the Temple’s Glorious Past

The Thiruvalleswarar Temple, nestled in the Padi area of Chennai, is an ancient Shiva temple that finds mention in the sacred Thevaram hymns by Thirugnanasambandar. It’s considered the 21st Thevara Sthalam in Thondai Nadu among the 276 Shiva temples praised in these ancient verses.

While its origins are rooted in ancient Puranic times, the temple truly flourished during the Chola period and was meticulously maintained by various kings thereafter. Thirugnanasambandar affectionately referred to this place as “Valithayam” in his hymns, signifying a “place with the right to worship.”

The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with Sage Bharadwaj, who, cursed to be born as a black sparrow, found redemption here by worshipping Lord Shiva. This profound event led to the temple being named “Thiruvalithayam.” Legends also claim that revered figures like Lord Rama, Hanuman, Surya (Sun God), and Chandra (Moon God) have worshipped here.

Legends That Touch the Heart: The Thiruvalithayam Sthala Puranam

The myths surrounding this temple are truly enchanting!

One captivating legend tells the tale of Sage Bharadwaj, who, transformed into a bird by a curse, journeyed through various lands in search of Lord Shiva. He discovered a Swayambu Lingam beneath a Kondrai tree here and earnestly worshipped it. Pleased, Lord Shiva appeared, granted him liberation, and appointed him the leader of all birds. Hence, the deity is also known as “Valiyanathar.”

Another fascinating legend speaks of Kamali and Valli, daughters of Lord Brahma, who worshipped Shiva at this very spot and were blessed to marry Lord Ganesha. As a testament to this divine union, the temple houses Utsavar (processional) idols of Lord Ganesha with Kamali and Valli.

Furthermore, Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter), afflicted by a curse from his sister, performed penance here and received the Lord’s blessings. This makes Thiruvalleswarar Temple a powerful Parihara Sthalam (remedial temple) for Guru Dosham.

Architectural Marvels & Temple Layout

The Thiruvalleswarar Temple faces east and boasts a magnificent 3-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower). As you step inside, you’ll find a spacious outer prakaram (courtyard) with a Dhwajasthambam (flagpole), Nandi (sacred bull), and Balipeetam (sacrificial altar). The sanctum sanctorum of the Moolavar is beautifully crafted in a Gajaprushta Vimana style, resembling the graceful rear of an elephant.

Within the inner prakaram, you’ll discover:

• Ambal Sannathi (Goddess Shrine): Facing south, dedicated to Goddess Jagadambikai.
• Guru Bhagavan Separate Shrine: Depicting Guru Bhagavan worshipping a Shiva Lingam.
• Hanuman Sannathi: Showing Hanuman in a posture of reverence towards Lord Shiva.
• Navagraha Sannathi: Shrines for the nine planetary deities.
• Balasubrahmanyar: Lord Muruga with four arms.
• Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durga: Other revered deities.
• Notably, Mahavishnu is present in place of Lingodbhavar in the Goshtam (niches on the outer wall of the sanctum), signifying Lord Rama’s worship here.
• Shrines for Varasiddhi Vinayagar, Guru Bhagavan, Anjaneyar, and Murugar (with Valli and Deivanai).
• Pillars adorned with exquisite sculptures of Natarajar, Murugar, and Kodandaramar.

Vibrant Celebrations at Thiruvalleswarar Temple

The temple comes alive with festivals throughout the year. Some of the most significant celebrations include:

• Chithirai Brahmotsavam: A grand 10-day annual festival.
• Thai Krithigai: Dedicated to Lord Muruga.
• Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter Transit): Special pujas are performed to alleviate Guru Dosham.
• Pournami (Full Moon Day): An auspicious day for Shiva worship.
• Thursdays: Special offerings of yellow vastram (clothes) and chickpeas garland are made to Guru Bhagavan.

Thiruvalleswarar Temple Timings

Arulmigu Thiruvalleswarar Temple is open from:

• Morning: 06:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM

Special Offerings

• For Marriage Obstacles: Devotees garland and circumambulate Lord Ganesha.
• For Guru Dosham: Special pujas are performed on Thursdays.

Benefits of Prayer

• Worshipping the Lord is believed to remove marriage obstacles and cure diseases.
• Offering yellow vastram to Dakshinamurthy is believed to bestow wisdom.
• Worshipping Lord Shiva on Pournami is said to bring great blessings.

Why You MUST Visit Thiruvalleswarar Temple!

• Guru Pariharam (Remedy for Guru Dosham): Worship on Thursdays, especially by offering yellow vastram, is believed to instantly alleviate Guru Dosham and cleanse sins.
• Marriage Obstacle Removal: Circumnavigating Lord Ganesha with a garland is believed to attract suitable marriage alliances.
• Healing & Wellness: Bathing in the sacred temple tank (Theertham) and worshipping are believed to cure diseases and remove negative influences.
• Attaining Wisdom: Offering yellow vastram to Dakshinamurthy is believed to grant profound knowledge.
• Spiritual Significance: Being surrounded by 11 other sacred sites, visiting this temple is considered to bestow liberation (moksha).
• Pournami Worship: Worship on full moon days is believed to ensure abundant blessings and good fortune.

Divine Hymns: Thevaram & Thiruppugazh

The temple finds its mention in glorious devotional hymns:

Thirugnanasambandar’s Thevaram:

“பத்தரோடு பலரும் பொலியம்மலர் அங்கைப் புனல்தூவி
ஒத்தசொல்லி உகத்தவர்தாம் தொழுது ஏத்த உயர் சென்னி
மத்தம் வைத்த பெருமான் பிரியாது உறைகின்ற வலிதாயம்
சித்தம் வைத்த அடியாரவர் மேலடை யாமற்றிடர் நோயே.”

(Source: https://shaivam.org/thirumurai/first-thirumurai/thirugnanasambandhar-thevaram-thiruvalitayam-pattarotupala/)

Arunagirinathar’s Thiruppugazh:

“மருமல்லி யார்குழலின் …… மடமாதர்
மருளுள்ளி நாயடிய …… னலையாமல்
இருநல்ல வாகுமுன …… தடிபேண
இனவல்ல மானமன …… தருளாயோ
கருநெல்லி மேனியரி …… மருகோனே
கனவள்ளி யார்கணவ …… முருகேசா
திருவல்லி தாயமதி …… லுறைவோனே
திகழ்வல்ல மாதவர்கள் …… பெருமாளே.”

(Source: https://kaumaram.com/thiru/nnt0685_u.html)

Visit this divine temple and seek the blessings of Lord Thiruvalleswarar – may your life be filled with peace and prosperity! For further details, you can contact the temple directly.

Getting There: Your Guide to Thiruvalleswarar Temple

The Arulmigu Thiruvalleswarar Temple is located in Padi, a western suburb of Chennai, approximately 12 km from Chennai Central Railway Station.

By Train & Bus:

From Chennai Central Suburban Railway Station, take a train towards Thiruvallur and alight at Korattur Railway Station. From the bus stand near Korattur Railway Station, you can find mini-bus services directly to the temple.

Thiruvalleswarar Temple Address

Arulmigu Thiruvalleswarar Temple,
Padi, Chennai – 600050.

Contact: +914426540706

Ready to embark on your spiritual journey to Thiruvalleswarar Temple? Let us know if you have any more questions!

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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