Vairavanpatti Vairavanswami (Valaroli Nathar) Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Vairavanpatti, Sivaganga District,

Tamil Nadu –630212

Phone: +91-4577- 264 237

Moolavar

Vairavanswami (Valaroli Nathar)

Amman

Vadivudai Ammai

Introduction

Vairavanpatti Temple is a magnificent five-tiered Rajagopuram temple located near Karaikkudi in the Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who takes the form of Bhairava, and it also has a shrine for Goddess Ambika. It is patronized by the Chettiar community and is their third-largest temple.

Puranic Significance

This temple is one of the Ashta Bairava Sthalams. The temple has a rich history, dating back to the Treta Yuga period.Originally cared for by the Pandya Kings, it was later handed over to the Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiars) community in the 14th century.

Legend and Special Deities:

The temple’s history revolves around a fascinating legend involving Lord Brahma, who was punished by Lord Shiva in the form of Bhairava.
Lord Shiva’s deputy, Vairava, was sent to pluck off one of Brahma’s heads as a punishment, leading to the creation of this temple.
The temple’s reigning deities are Lord Valarolinadhar (Shiva) and Goddess Vadivudai Ammai.
The temple also has a shrine for Lord Bhairava, who is depicted with his dog Vahana.
The temple’s sacred spring, created by Lord Shiva, is located outside the temple.
A Sannidhi for Lord Dakshinamurthy can be found inside a seven-pillared mandapam.
The temple features beautiful sculptures, including those carved out of a single stone.
There are striking wall paintings within the temple, depicting stories from Vairava Puranam, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
The temple’s Sannithi features a unique deity, Raja Marthanda Bairavar, along with his dog as his vahana.
Two lizard relief statues are found behind Goddess Vadivudai Amman, believed to remove doshas when worshipped.
Notable stone carvings and statues, such as a warrior on a horse and the tale of Kannappa Nainar, are present.
The temple has a unique architectural structure, including stone rods, and hand-carved stone bolts.

Special Features

Architectural and Artistic Features:

Originally constructed with mud, the temple was later rebuilt in stone by the Nagarathar community in 1864.
The temple boasts beautifully sculptured pillars in the main front hall.
The temple features an outstanding “Seven Note Pillar” that celebrates the greatness of sculpture.
Various sculptures, carvings, and paintings adorn the temple, showcasing exquisite artistry.
The temple is particularly known for its scriptural art and significance to Lord Bhairava.

Festivals

Champakasura Sashti, Karthikai Deepam, Mahasivarathri in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Masi and Vinayaka Chathurthi – Pillayar Nonbu are the festival of the temple.