Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Timings, History

Thiruvalangadu Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is an ancient famous Shiva temple and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal. Sri Vata Aranyam Temple is located in Thiruvalangadu Post, Thiruthani Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu State. The Moolavar (Main Deity) are Sri Vadaranyeswarar, Sri Alavana Nathar, Sri Oorthuvadandaveswarar, and Sri Devarsingaperuman. Goddess: Sri Vandar Kuzhali Amman, Sri Brahmarambal, Sri Alavana Nayaki. Mukthi Theertham, Sentradu Theertham and Siva Kara Theertham are the temple Theerthams (Holy water). Here Banyan tree is the Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree).

Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple, built by the Cholas in the 12th century (although the inscriptions show the 5th century) is considered a sacred temple of Shaivaite because it is one of the 5 majestic cosmic dance halls (Pancha sabha/Pancha Bhootha Sthalam) of Lord Shiva, known as “Ratna Sabai”.

Sri Tazuvikuzandheswarar Temple is just 2 km from Vata Aranyam Temple.

Here Natarajar is worshipped as Rathina Sababathi Eswarar and his consort, Sivakama Sundari as Sameesenambikai. In the shrine of Lord Nataraja, there are two Shiva lingams, one in Sphatik (crystal) and the other in Maragatham (emerald).

There are more than sixty idols in this temple. Some of the deities are Lord Vinayakar, Lord Murugan with his consorts, Vijayaraghava Perumal with his consorts, Goddess Karaikkal, Agora Veerabathra, Pancha Bootha lingams, Sahasra lingam, Kasi Viswanatha, Iyappa, Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga with Durga Parameswara, Chandikeswara, Sage Munjikesar, Karkodakar, Surya Bhagawan, Chandra Bhagawan, Nalvars, Bathrakali Amman, Sapta Kanniyars and Bairava. One can also see the idols of Mantheeswarar and the lingam installed and worshiped by him.

This temple is said to have been originally built by the Chola and Pallava dynasties. The stone inscriptions available in this temple date from the time of King Parantaka Chola-I until the last king of Vijayanagara.

All Major festivals are celebrated, and Thiruvadhirai and Shivaratri are celebrated grandly.

Key Features:

• This temple is considered to be a place where salvation can be achieved.
• This is a Parihara Sthalam for Bharani Nakshathra. Those born during the Bharani Nakshathra period can perform special poojas here.
• It is an important location for Mantheeswarar Pariharam and poojas can be performed on Saturdays. Mantheeswarar Pariharam is made to remove obstacles in marriage proposals, to help married couples obtain the blessing of childbirth, and to obtain debt relief.
• Since Mantheeswarar is the son of Sani Deva, Sani Dosha pujas can be performed here.
• Moreover, those who aspire to master the art of dancing can pray to Lord Vadaranyeswarar here and seek his blessings.

Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple Timings:

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Vadaranyeswarar Temple Legend:

According to legend, in ancient times this area was a forest abundantly covered with banyan trees. A Swayambu Lingam was reportedly discovered under a banyan tree. Later, a temple was built and the lord was named Vada Aaranya Easwarar (Vadam means banyan tree, Aranyam means forest and Eswar is Lord Shiva in Tamil). Since the heavenly gods (Devas) are also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple, he is also praised as “Sri Devarsingaperuman”. It is believed that Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi, and Saint Thirumular worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Vata Aranyam Easwarar Temple History:

Two demons, Sumba and Nisumba, chose this banyan jungle for their stay and began to harass the Devas. They asked Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi to protect them. Lord Shiva asked Parvathi Devi to create “Bathra Kali” and this Kali was advised to go to Thiruvalangadu to destroy the demons. Kali consumed the blood of the demons and their army and became enraged.

At the request of sage Munjikesa Karkodaka, Lord Shiva arrived there. Kali challenged the Lord in dance and said she would give the Lord the right instead if he won. The dance has started. The Lord dropped his earring on the floor, took it by the tip of his left leg, and fastened it to his ear during the dance. Kali accepted her defeat and said she couldn’t do such a wonderful dance. Lord Siva said that he alone was equal to her and further said that those who come to worship lord shiva here should worship The goddess first to reap the full benefit of worship. Since then, Kali has had her temple to please the devotees.

How to Reach Vadaranyeswarar Temple:

By Air:
The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport which is 63.4 km away.

By Rail:
Thiruvalangadu Railway Station is around 5 km from the temple. Private Taxis and Autos are available from here to reach the temple.

By Road:
Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop lies 1 km away from the temple.

Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Address:

Thiruvalangadu Post,
Thiruthani Taluk,
Thiruvallur District,
Tamil Nadu – 631 210.

Sabha Temples / Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal:

The five temples located in Tamil Nadu where God Shiva is believed to perform the Bharata Natyam dance are: