Vilvarani Subramaniar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Vilvarani Subramaniar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Vilvarani Village, Chengam,

Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu- 606906

Moolavar

Subramaniar

Amman

Valli and Deivanai

Introduction

• The Subramaniar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located in Vilvarani Village, near Chengam, in Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Situated along the Polur–Thiruvannamalai Highway, the temple is also referred to as a Nakshatra temple, where the 27 stars and Krittika maidens come together to offer worship, particularly on Krithigai days.

Puranic Significance:

Mythological Background:

• Historical Legend: Over 1000 years ago, a priest from the region, who regularly traveled to the Tiruthani Muruga Temple for worship on Krithika star days, was unable to do so due to an obstacle. Disheartened, he and his assistant priest were visited by Lord Muruga in a dream. In the dream, Muruga instructed them to visit Nakshatra Hill, where he resided in the form of a Naga (snake), and to build a temple to worship him, especially on Krithika days.
• Discovery of the Swayambu Idol: The priests set out and found a Swayambu idol guarded by a snake on the hilltop. When they approached, the snake transformed into a statue, forming an umbrella over the Lord’s head. The priests then set up a small tent and began worshiping there. Over time, an idol of Lord Muruga along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai was made and installed in the temple.
• Lord Muruga’s Form: The deity in the temple is worshipped as Lord Muruga in the form of a Swayambu Linga. While Linga is typically associated with Lord Shiva, here it represents the unity of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga, signifying that they are inseparable. The fire represents Lord Shiva, the heat symbolizes Mother Umadevi, the color of the fire represents Lord Ganapathi, and the light represents Lord Muruga.

Beliefs:

• The temple is especially significant for devotees seeking relief from the adverse effects of Rahu and Kethu. It is believed that worshiping Lord Muruga here can help alleviate the malefic influences of these planets.
• Devotees often perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) and offer Vastras (clothes) to the Lord as part of their prayers.

Special Features:

• Hill Temple: The Subramaniar Temple is located on a hill, believed to be 1500 years old. Devotees must climb 300 steps to reach the temple at the hilltop.
• Lord Muruga’s Form: The temple’s presiding deity, Lord Muruga, is worshipped in the form of a Swayambu Linga, reinforcing the belief that Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga are one and the same.
• Nakshatra Significance: The temple is known as a Nakshatra temple where the 27 stars and Krittika maidens gather every Krithigai day to offer their prayers to Lord Muruga.

Festivals:

Kruthika Days:

• Every month, on the Kruthika star days, the temple witnesses significant worship activities. The most important Kruthika festival occurs in the month of Aadi (July-August), attracting a large number of devotees.

Panguni Uthiram Festival:

• The Panguni Uthiram festival, held in March-April, is a major event in the temple. This 10-day festival is particularly famous for the procession of Lord Muruga from the hill to the town on the fifth day.
• The Car Festival, held on the seventh day of the Panguni Uthiram festival, features a car (Ratham) specially made for the occasion. The cost of the car is around Rs. 16 lakhs, and it is an integral part of the temple’s celebrations.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/02/subramaniar-temple-vilvarani-chengam.html

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Chengam

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai Station

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

lightuptemple