Ukkal Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Ukkal, Cheyyar Circle,

Thiruvannamalai district

Moolavar

Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy

Amman

Sri Maragathambigai

Introduction

Ukkal Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Ukkal, Cheyyar circle, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamilnadu. Here the primary deity is called Sri Vaidhayanatha Swamy, and Mother is called as Sri Maragathambigai. It is believed that this Shiva Temple was called as “Perumthiranar Koyil” and later called as Vaidhyanatha Swamy Temple.

Puranic Significance

As per the legend, Narasimha Pallava –II, who constructed the Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar temple, Mahabalipuram Shore temples, was affected by severe stomach pain. One night Shiva came in the dream of this Pallava King and advised him to go to Ukkal Perumthiranar Temple and worship him. The Pallava King came to Ukkal and worshipped Shiva and got relieved from the stomach pain. Hence, Shiva was called as Vaidhyanatha Swamy.

It is believed that this temple was constructed during 6th century Pallava period. But the structure and the sculptures seems to be of Chozha period, hence this Shiva temple might have been constructed during Chozha period, i.e. 10th to 11th Century.

Special Features

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch / base of the Rajagopuram, on the south side. Stucco image of Shiva & Parvati as Rishabaroodar is on the top of the entrance arch. Balipeedaam, Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram and Rishabam are in front of Mukha mandapam. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. Vinayagar and Murugan are in front of sanctum sanctorum. The Moolavar is little tall on a square avudayar. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.

In the mandapam, Utsava murtis, Vinayagar, an Ambigai as Vishnu durgai, Bairavar, Ayyanar and Elephant Vahana. In outer praharam, Navagrahas, Vahanas, Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar and Chandikeswarar and Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai. Ambal is in as separate Sanctum sanctorum facing south towards the entrance arch. Nagars are on the left side before the entrance of temple. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam.

Festivals

Apart from Regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Amavasya, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Thaipoosa peruvizha, Arudra darshan, Karthigai, etc.

References

https://wanderingheritager.blogspot.com/2023/03/sri-vaidhyanatha-swamy-temple-ukkal.html