Tiruchengode Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Namakkal
Deity: Arthanareeswarar Amman: Bagam piriyal Temple Address: Tiruchengode Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, Namakkal district PIN 637211 Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM
Introduction
Arthanāreeswarā temple is an ancient temple, located in Tiruchengode, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Arthanāreeswarā, the unique half-male half-female of Lord Shiva. It is perhaps the only temple in Asia where this rare form of the Divine is enshrined as the principal deity. The deity here is also known as Mādhorubāgan and Ammaiyappan (mother-father). The famous Chenkottu Velavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is also situated on the same hill.Another name for the Arthanāreeswara Temple is Thirukodimāda Chenkundrūr. Theertham: Devatheertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Iluppai Tree
Puranic Significance
Puranic Significance of Tiruchengode Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple
1. Paadal Petra Sthalam & Literary References:
- The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Thevaram hymns by the Saivite saints.
- Both Thirugnanasambandar and Arunagirinathar composed hymns glorifying the temple.
- The temple is mentioned as ‘Neduvelkundru’ in the ancient Tamil epic Silapathikaram.
- Muthuswami Dikshitar, a great Carnatic composer, created a popular song “Ardhanareeshwaram” in the ragam Kumudakriya, inspired by this temple.
2. Temple Renovations & British Influence:
- The temple has undergone renovations during the reign of the Chola, Pandya, and Nayak kings.
- Interestingly, a British officer named Davis contributed to its restoration, and his image is still found in the Mukkoottu Vinayagar temple.
3. The Story of Ardhanareeswarar’s Manifestation:
- Adi Kesava Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu, is enshrined here.
- He is believed to have instructed Goddess Gowri (Parvati) on the Kedara Gowri Vratam, which she performed to unite with Lord Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar.
- Sage Bhrigu’s Episode:
- When Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, and Sage Bhrigu visited Mount Kailash, Nandi directed them to Lord Shiva.
- All except Bhrigu first worshipped Goddess Parvati before approaching Shiva.
- Bhrigu, in his pride, bypassed Parvati, angering her.
- Parvati absorbed his flesh to prevent him from reaching Shiva, but Bhrigu persisted.
- Lord Shiva, recognizing his devotion, blessed Bhrigu with a third leg.
- After Bhrigu left, Parvati sought Shiva’s approval for penance.
- She performed a great penance atop the hill and demanded a share in Shiva’s divine form, leading to the emergence of Ardhanareeswarar – a half-male, half-female deity.
- Parvati took the left side, while Shiva remained on the right, symbolizing divine oneness and gender harmony.
4. The Battle Between Adiseshan & Vayu – The Origin of Tiruchengode:
- A great contest once took place between Adiseshan (the serpent king) and Vayu (the wind god) to prove their strength.
- Adiseshan wrapped Mount Meru with his hood, while Vayu tried to dislodge him using his power.
- Adiseshan emerged victorious by holding on firmly.
- In anger, Vayu stopped the flow of air, causing all living beings to faint.
- The sages intervened and convinced Vayu to release his hold.
- When Vayu suddenly released his force, the top of the mountain, along with Adisesha’s head, was thrown onto Earth, landing in three places.
- The impact caused the land to turn red with blood and flesh, giving the place the name Chengodu (Red Hill).
- A 60-foot-long snake carving is present on the hill, leading to the name Nagamalai (Serpent Hill).
Beliefs
For the unity of husband and wife, the victims of Nagatosham, Rahu-Tosham, Kala Sarpa Tosham and Kalathira Tosham are worshiped here.
Special Features
The sacred hill is about 650 ft. high, and a climb of 1156 steps leads worshippers to the temple at its peak. The hill is called ‘Nagagiri’ in the Thevaram hymns and is also known by many other names like Chemmalai, Panimalai, Nandimalai, Uragaverpu. The hill contains about 350 acres of land, which lies 2000 ft about sea level. On top of the hill, the main gopuram (Tower) with 5 tiers is on the north side of the hill. The compound wall of the temple is 260 feet length east to west and 170 feet length north to south. The main shrine is for Lord Shiva known as Maathoru Paagar and the Ambal his consort is known Baagampiriyaalammai. The image of the main deity is 6 feet in height, the right half of the image as male and left half of the image as female. Hence the main deity is also known as Ardhanareeswarar. Subramanya known as Chengottu Velar is located on a flat surface atop the hill. This Chengottu Velar shrine is on the back side of the main sanctum sanctorum.
Festivals
Chithirai Chithra Paurnami Vaikāsi Badrakali Amman Kovil Thiruvizha and Vaikāsi Ther-Thiruvizhala Aani Natarajar Thirumanjanam Aavani Vinayaka Chathurthi Purattasi Manikovil Kedara Gowri Viratham and Navarathiri Ippasi Periya Mariamman Kovil Thiruvizha and Kanda Sashti Karthikai Karthikai Deepam Margazhi Aarudra Darisanam Thai Padi Thiruvizha Masi Māsimāgam Vizha and Sivarāthri Panguni Uthira Vizha
Century/Period/Age
1000-2000 years old
Saints and Singers
Thiruganamsambathar
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Best Time
10-12
Accommodation
Namakkal
Nearest Bus Station
Tiruchengode
Nearest Railway Station
Namakkal
Nearest Airport
Trichy