Thiruvalanturai Choleswarar (Tholieswarar) Temple, Perambalur

Address

Thiruvalanturai,

Perambalur District, Tamilnadu – 621117

Moolavar

Choleswarar

Amman

Periyanayake

Introduction

The Thiruvalandurai Choleswarar Temple is a revered Lord Shiva temple located in Thiruvalandurai, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Choleswarar (also known as Tholieshwarar), is worshipped alongside Mother Periyanayake. This temple is a significant place of worship, drawing devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and the divine mother.

Puranic Significance:

The temple is steeped in mythological lore, particularly related to a dispute between Thirumal (Vishnu) and Brahma over their superiority. In search of an answer, they approached Lord Shiva at Thiruvannamalai, where Shiva revealed the truth of creation. This event is mirrored in the temple’s mythology, where Thirumal is referred to as “Ayanturai” and is believed to have resolved the conflict. As per legend, Thirumal’s manifestation in the context of time is symbolized as Thiruvalandhurai.

The temple’s history records that in 1179 CE, the third Kulottunga Chola, Vanavaraya Kovarayar, visited the temple on the first Monday of Chitrai month. During this visit, he witnessed a miraculous event where a serpent appeared in a photograph taken near the temple’s deity. Inspired by this divine vision, the temple’s founder, Amman, donated lands to expand the temple, a legacy still honored today.

Special Features:

The temple holds unique significance due to its connection with Thirumal and Brahma, both of whom approached Lord Shiva to resolve their doubts for the first time at this sacred site. Additionally, the temple is closely tied to the Vellaru River, which flows through several districts and is also known as the Neiva River. The river’s origin is associated with a legend involving Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. As the story goes, Arjuna created a spring by piercing a hill with his arrow to obtain water for his puja, which led to the formation of the river. Lord Shiva, pleased by Arjuna’s devotion, appeared before him and granted him the Pasupatastra.

The Vellaru River has a rich history that spans 5000 years and is home to several important temples along its banks. Seven of these temples, collectively known as the Saptha Thurai (Seven Sacred Fords), include Karaiyanuthurai, Thiruvalandhurai, Thirumandhurai, Aaduthurai, Thiruvattathurai (Thittakudi), Thiruvaraduthurai, and Mudavanthurai. The renowned saint Thirujnanasambandar also visited these temples and sang hymns in praise of their divine significance.

Festivals:

The Thiruvalandurai Choleswarar Temple celebrates major Shiva festivals, including Pradosham and Shivaratri, drawing large crowds of devotees who participate in the rituals and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.