Villianur Thirukameswarar Temple, Puducherry

Address

Villianur Thirukameswarar Temple, Villianur village, Puducherry district- 605110

Deity

Thirukameswarar Amman: Kokilambikai

Introduction

• Location: The Thirukameswarar Temple, also known as Villianur Temple, is located in Villianur Town, Union Territory of Puducherry, India.
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, referred to by various names including Kameswarar, Mirameeswarar, Narasinganathar, Naduvazhinathar, Vaidyanathar, and Vilwasenar.
  • Consort: Kokilambikai, also known as Kuyilammai or Muthammai.
• Historical Context: Constructed in the 12th century CE during the Chola dynasty, the temple was originally known as Vilwanallur, meaning the good city of Vilwa trees (Bel). It is mentioned in the Tamil hymns of Thevaram, marking it as a Thevara Vaipu Sthalam.

Puranic Significance:

• Mythological Story:
  • Supremacy Contest: Lord Vishnu and Brahma once sought to establish their supremacy over one another. Shiva decided that whoever could find His feet and crown would be the winner. Brahma’s deceitful trick led to a curse, which he was later relieved from by planting Vilwa trees on the banks of the River Mutharu and worshipping Shiva.
  • Chola King’s Miracle: King Dharmabala Chozhan, who suffered from leprosy due to his previous birth’s karma, worshipped Shiva at this temple and was cured. He built a town here, initially a Vilwa forest, and named it Vilwanallur, which later became Villianur.
  • Special Features:
    • Prasava Nandhi: This temple is noted for its Prasava Nandhi, a small Nandhi (bull) placed in front of a larger Nandhi, symbolizing childbirth and fertility.
    • Sun Rays: On the 9th, 11th, and 19th days of the month of Panguni (March-April), the rays of the sun fall directly on the presiding deity.
    • Divine Visits: Deities such as Brahma, Narasimha, Indira, and others, including King Dharmabalan, are said to have worshipped here. Shiva is believed to have granted darshan to Vishnu on a Poornima (full moon) day.

Beliefs:

• Healing Powers: The temple is particularly revered by those suffering from leprosy. Devotees offer new clothes during abishek (ritual bathing) to seek healing.
• Special Rituals: Pulling the chariot is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. Offerings of curd, sandal, and buttermilk are commonly made.

Special Features:

• Swayambumurthi: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• Sunlight: The temple’s unique architectural alignment allows the sun’s rays to illuminate the deity on specific days in Panguni.
• Marriage and Obstacles: The temple is a popular destination for prayers to remove obstacles in marriage.

Festivals:

• Chitra Poornima: Celebrated in April-May.
• Vaikasi Swati Brahmmotsavam: Includes a car festival in May-June.
• Aani Tirumanjanam: Observed in June-July.
• Brahmmotsavam to Mother-Goddess: Celebrated during Aadi Pooram in July-August.
• Aipasi Skanda Sashti and Annabishekam: Held in October-November.
• Karthikai Laksha Deepam: A festival of lighting one lakh lamps in November-December.

Century/Period/Age

12th century CE

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Villianur

Nearest Railway Station

Villianur

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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