Mayiladuthurai Vadaranyeswarar Temple

Address

Mayiladuthurai Vadaranyeswarar Temple,

Mayiladuthurai Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District,

Tamil Nadu – 609 002

Phone: +91 4364 228 846 / 242 996

Moolavar

Vadaranyeswarar

Amman

Gnanambigai.

Introduction

The Vadaranyeswarar Temple, also known as Vallalar Koil, is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mayiladuthurai Town, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deities: The primary deity of the temple is known as Vadaranyeswarar or Vallalar. The goddess of the temple is Gnanambigai.
Location: The temple is located on the northern bank of the River Cauvery in Uttara (North) Mayuram. It is one of the Pancha Dakshinamoorthy Sthalams around Mayiladuthurai.
Age: The temple is believed to be approximately 1800 years old and is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Legend of Rishaba Theertham: The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva’s divine journey to Mayiladuthurai along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Nandi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva, rushed ahead arrogantly, thinking himself superior. In response, Lord Shiva taught Nandi a lesson by placing a strand from his matted hair on Nandi’s back, humbling him. Nandi repented and sought forgiveness, and Lord Shiva initiated him into divine wisdom. This event led to Nandi serving as the mount for Guru Bhagavan (Dakshinamurthy).
Significance of Medha Dakshinamurthy: The temple is renowned for its shrine dedicated to Medha Dakshinamurthy (Guru Bhagavan), who is a unique form of Lord Dakshinamurthy. In this form, Dakshinamurthy sits under a banyan tree with a crescent moon adorning his locks and is seated on Nandi. He imparts wisdom and is a symbol of enlightenment.
Worship by Planetary Deities: The planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) is believed to have worshipped Lord Dakshinamurthy here to gain the power of granting boons to devotees. Other deities like Chamundi, Sage Kanva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma have also worshipped at this temple for various reasons.
Inner and Outer Prakarams: The temple complex has two prakarams (enclosures). The inner prakaram houses the sanctum sanctorum, while the outer prakaram features various idols, including Sapta Matas, Suryan (Sun God), Chandra (Moon God), Bhairava, Shiva Lingas, and more.
Gnanamrutha Saras and Rishaba Theertham: Devotees visit the Gnanamrutha Saras, a sacred bathing area, especially on Karthigai Somavaram (Mondays), to seek blessings for peace and abundance. Rishaba Theertham is associated with the story of Nandi and is believed to purify those who take a holy dip.
Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals, including Aipasi Thula month festival, Maha Shivaratri, Karthigai Deepam, Guru Peyarchi, Arudhra Dharisanam, Navaratri, and more.
Parihara Sthalam for Guru: The temple is considered a Parihara Sthalam for Guru.