Elavanasur Kottai Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Villupuram

Address

Elavanasur Kottai,

Villupuram District – 607 202

Mobile: +91 9443385223

Moolavar

Ardhanareeswarar

Amman

Bhrihannayaki / Periya Nayaki

Introduction

The Ardhanareeswarar Temple is located in Elavanasur Kottai (also known as Pidagam) Village in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Ardhanareeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and the goddess is Bhrihannayaki (also called Periya Nayaki). The temple is situated on a hill called Tirumalai, which is believed to have originally been part of a fort (Kottai = fort). Although this temple is not directly mentioned in the hymns of the Tamil Nayanmars, an inscription of Vikrama Chola records the provision for the recitation of Manikkavasagar’s hymns. The temple is thought to be one of the Mada temples built by Kochengata Chola.

Puranic Significance

Ur Bhagam Kondaruliya Nayanar: This story narrates the tale of Deivigan, a Malaiyaman Chief, who killed the asura Karundan in his past life. To rid himself of the Brahmahatti Dosha (sin of killing a Brahmin), he performs a sacrifice and establishes villages for 400 Brahmins. When faced with a shortage of housing, Lord Shiva, disguised as a Brahmin, instructs the chief to divide the village and gift one half to the Brahmins and the other to Shiva. After doing so, the Lord reveals Himself as the deity of the temple, earning the chief the title Ur Bhagam Kondaruliya Nayanar, meaning “The Lord who accepted half the village.”
Mada Kovil: Kochengata Chola, a Chola king and one of the 63 Nayanmars, built numerous temples known as Mada Kovil, which were elevated to prevent elephants from reaching the sanctum. This temple is believed to be one of the Mada temples constructed by him. The king, named for his red eyes at birth (Kochengat Cholan), followed Saivism and established these temples throughout the Chola Empire.
Rajaraja Chola’s Contribution: According to legend, when Rajaraja Chola was passing through the area on his way to war, his sword accidentally struck a Shiva Lingam hidden in the bushes. Blood began to flow from the Lingam, and the king, realizing his mistake, sought the Lord’s forgiveness. Shiva instructed him to build a temple, which Rajaraja Chola did in accordance with divine guidance.
Indhra and Sage Mrugandu: Both Indhra and Sage Mrugandu are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, further adding to its significance.
Place Names: The temple is located in an area that has been known by various names throughout history, including Chola Kerala Chathurvedhi Mangalam, Arasavanam, Neeretrapuri, Iraiyanaraiyur, and Ilanasur.
Elavanasur Kottai: The area was ruled by Mir Hussain Khan under the Arcot Nawab, and a fort was located here, giving rise to the name Elavanasur Kottai.
Iraivasanallur Thala Puranam: The legends associated with the temple are mentioned in the Iraivasanallur Thala Puranam, written by Purana Thirumalai Nathar.

Beliefs

Devotees visit the temple to seek relief from Brahma Hathi Dosham and to resolve marriage-related obstacles. It is believed that prayers to Ardhanareeswarar here can help fulfill these wishes.

Special Features

The temple is believed to be 1500 years old and is large in size, with a 150-foot-high six-tiered Rajagopuram and five Praharams.
The temple is built on an elevated 4-foot-high Peedam and includes a Nootru Kaal Mandapam located between the Rajagopuram and the sanctum.
The temple is one of the Mada Kovil style temples in Villupuram District.
To reach the sanctum, devotees must ascend 18 steps.
Ardhanareeswarar, the presiding deity, faces west and is also known by various other titles, such as Urbhagangondaruliya Mahadevar and Gramardhanathesvarar. The Lingam is a Suyambhu (self-manifested).
In front of the deity are three Nandhis (bulls), each facing west, symbolizing a unique feature of the temple.
The temple’s Maha Mandapam showcases intricate sculptures of dancers, adding to the temple’s artistic beauty.
Ayyappan devotees also frequent this temple, especially during Margazhi Month. A notable Ayyappan sculpture is found on one of the pillars near the sanctum.
The Alankara Mandapam contains sculptures of Lord Shiva’s Tiruvilayadal (divine plays).
The Mother deity, Thiru Palliyarai Nambiraatiyar, is also called Bhrihannayaki and faces east. There are four shrines dedicated to Durga at the four directions within the temple complex.
Shrines within the temple include:
- Dhandapani,
- Swayambu Linga on a square Avudaiyar,
- Naalvar,
- Maha Ganapathy,
- Vallabha Ganapathy,
- Athmalingam,
- Somaskanda,
- Murugan,
- Agasthya Lingam,
- Rana Lingeswarar,
- Kasi Viswanathar,
- Visalakshi,
- Natarajar.
The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Jack Fruit Tree.