Vengundram Sri Venguneswara Hill (Thavalagiriswara Hill) Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Address

Vengundram Sri Venguneswara Hill (Thavalagiriswara Hill) Temple- Thavalagiri hills, Vengundram Village, Vandavasi Town, Tiruvannamalai district Tamil Nadu 604408

Diety

Sri Venguneswara/ Thavalagiriswara Amman: Parvathi

Introduction

Venguneswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the top of Thavalagiri Hill in Vengundram Village near Vandavasi Town in Vandavasi Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District in Tamil Nadu The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This temple is situated at the top of a 1500 feet high hill.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built during Pallavas. There are about two inscriptions found in this hill. There is an 8 th century inscription dated to the third regnal year of Nandivarma Pallava in a rock near the temple. It talks about the Grama Sabha of Vengundram Village. There is another inscription dated to Vijayanagara period can be seen in this hill. This inscription is bilingual containing Telegu inscription in one side and Sanskrit inscription on the other side. It records the grants and renovations made to the temple. Venguneswarar / Thavalagireeswarar: As per the instruction of Lord Shiva, Sage Vyasa went on a pilgrimage explaining the importance of Vedas to the general public. He noticed a white colored mountain during his pilgrimage. He was mesmerized by the beauty of the mountain and installed a Linga on top of the mountain. Further, he excavated a Theertham and performed pooja to the Linga daily with the water drawn from the Theertham. Hence, the Theertham came to be called as Vyasa Theertham. As Sage Vyasa installed Linga on top of White Mountain, the Linga came to be called as Venguneswarar / Thavalagireeswarar (Venmai / Thavalam means white). Arunachaleswarar: After the annihilation of Tarakasura, Lord Murugan visited several Shiva temples and worshipped Lord Shiva. When he reached Thiruvannamalai, he wished for Jyoti darshan of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him, informed him about his Jyoti darshan to Lord Vishnu & Lord Brahma here and attained his Ardhanareeswarar from here on Karthikai Pournami. Further he stated that his Jyoti darshan would be shown to him on Thavalagiri and disappeared. Accordingly, Lord Murugan reached Thavalagiri, created a Theertham with his Vel (lance) and worshipped Lord Shiva for his Jyoti darshan. Pleased with his prayer, Lord Shiva granted Jyoti darshan to Lord Murugan and became a Linga at this place. This Linga under the name Arunachaleswarar can be seen in the temple.The Theertham created by Lord Murugan came to be called as Kumara Theertham. Ganga regained her beautiful form here: Once, River Ganga was quite dirty and ugly as people took bath in the river to wash off their sins. Ganga approached Lord Shiva for relief. He advised Ganga to visit Thavalagiri and worship him for relief. As advised, she visited Thavalagiri, worshipped Lord Shiva and got back her beauty. Indra Theertham: It is believed that Indra along with the Devas came here and worshipped Lord Shiva. It is also said that he created Theertham here during his worship. Hence, this Theertham came to be called as Indra Theertham.

Special Features

This temple is located at the top of a 1500 feet high hill called Thavalagiri. The hill top can be accessed through flight of steps but most of the path doesn’t have proper steps. Shrines of Sangothi Amman, Pachai Amman and Vazh Muni can be seen on the path. This temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the Mukha Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Thavalagireeswarar / Venguneswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. His consort, Parvathy is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan and Annamalaiyar in the lower level from the sanctum. Theerthams associated with this temple are Kumara Theertham, Vyasa Theertham and Indra Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Kanni Vilwam.

Festivals

Karthigai Deepam is the famous festival celebrated here. During this festival, Bharani Deepam will be lit at 4.00 am in Kailasanathar temple at the foot hill. Karthigai Deepam will be lit on hill top at 6.00 pm. It is said that this Deepam will be visible to 10 Kms.This Deepam will be continue for 3 days. Monthly Pradoshams are also observed here.