Thiruvalanturai Choleswarar (Tholieswarar) Temple, Perambalur

Address

Thiruvalanturai Choleswarar (Tholieswarar) Temple, Perambalur

Thiruvalanturai,

Perambalur District, Tamilnadu – 621117

Moolavar

Choleswarar

Amman

Periyanayake

Introduction

• Location: The Thiruvalandurai Choleswarar Temple is a prominent Lord Shiva temple located in Thiruvalandurai, within the Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Choleswarar (also known as Tholieshwarar) and is worshipped alongside Mother Periyanayake. It is an important site for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and the divine mother.

Puranic Significance

• Mythological Lore:
  The temple is deeply rooted in mythological and puranic traditions. One of the most significant legends associated with the temple involves a dispute between Thirumal (Vishnu) and Brahma regarding their superiority. To settle this dispute, both deities approached Lord Shiva at Thiruvannamalai, where Lord Shiva revealed the truth of creation. This event is mirrored in the mythology of Thiruvalandurai, where Thirumal is said to have been referred to as “Ayanturai,” a symbolic manifestation of time, through which the conflict was resolved.
• Historical Significance:
  The temple also has historical significance dating back to 1179 CE, when the third Kulottunga Chola, Vanavaraya Kovarayar, visited the temple during the Chitrai month. During his visit, a miraculous event took place — a serpent appeared in a photograph taken near the temple’s deity. This vision led to the temple’s founder, Amman, donating lands for the expansion of the temple, a legacy that continues to be honored.

Special Features

• Connection with Thirumal and Brahma:
  The temple is unique in its connection to the Vishnu-Brahma dispute and Lord Shiva’s role in resolving it. This sacred site is believed to be where the divine conversation occurred, making it a place of great spiritual importance.
• Vellaru River and Arjuna’s Legend:
  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 linked to a legend involving Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. According to the myth, Arjuna created a spring by piercing a hill with his arrow to provide water for his puja. Lord Shiva, pleased with Arjuna’s devotion, appeared before him and granted him the Pasupatastra. This sacred river, which has a history spanning over 5000 years, flows through several important temples.
• Saptha Thurai (Seven Sacred Fords):
  The Vellaru River is home to seven significant temples known as the Saptha Thurai (Seven Sacred Fords). These temples are located at:
  1. Karaiyanuthurai
  2. Thiruvalandhurai
  3. Thirumandhurai
  4. Aaduthurai
  5. Thiruvattathurai (Thittakudi)
  6. Thiruvaraduthurai
  7. Mudavanthurai
     These temples, along with Thiruvalandhurai, are sacred sites that were also visited by the renowned saint Thirujnanasambandar, who sang hymns in praise of their divine significance.

Festivals

• The Thiruvalandurai Choleswarar Temple celebrates major Shiva festivals, including Pradosham and Shivaratri, which attract large crowds of devotees. These festivals are marked by rituals and devotional prayers, with devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva during these auspicious occasions.

Century/Period

1179 CE

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvalandurai

Nearest Railway Station

Ariyalur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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