Vallam Vajrabureeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Vallam, Thanjavur district,

Tamil Nadu 613403

Moolavar

Vajrabureeswarar

Introduction

The Vallam Vajrabureeswarar Temple is situated on the Thanjavur – Trichy National Highway, about 10 km from Thanjavur, in the town of Vallam. This ancient and beautiful Shiva temple is dedicated to the deity Vajrabureeswarar, built during the 12th century AD by the Chola king Vikrama Chozhan. The temple is located just a 5-minute walk from the Vallam Bus Stand. The nearest railway station is in Thanjavur, and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Puranic Significance

The temple is steeped in fascinating legends, some of which are believed to have occurred in this very location:

Lord Indra’s Curse:
- The legend of Vajrabureeswarar is connected to Lord Indra, the king of the devas. It is said that Indra had committed a grave sin after being cursed by the sage Kausigar Muni. The curse was a consequence of Indra’s deceptive affair with Agaligai.
- To cleanse himself from the sin and alleviate the effects of the curse, Indra worshipped Vajrabureeswarar at this temple.
Lord Rama’s Visit:
- Another intriguing legend ties the temple to Lord Rama. It is believed that Rama and Seetha, on their journey back from Sri Lanka after the defeat of Ravana, passed through this area.
- During the journey, Seetha became extremely thirsty, and since they were traveling through an arid desert, there was no water source nearby. To provide water, Rama used his Vajrayutham (a celestial weapon) to drill a hole into the ground, creating a vast, deep water source.
- The pond created by this event is located south of the temple. The depth of the pond remains unknown, with the last measurement attempt estimating it to be more than 40 feet deep. The pond is still a significant part of the temple and its lore.
The Mysterious ‘AUM’ Sound:
- The temple committee once attempted renovation work on the temple’s outer praharam (courtyard). However, when the workers began to strike the stone slabs with their hammers, a resounding ‘AUM’ emanated from the slabs, causing the workers to halt the work in fear.
- Despite this, they managed to complete the renovation of the outer praharam, but the inner sections remain shrouded in mystery.
Kausigar Muni’s Ashram and the Sacred Pond:
- Near the temple is a large Banyan tree, which locals refer to as Kausigar Muni’s Ashram. Further north lies a pond, Kausigar Theertham, named after the sage Kausigar. However, 90% of this pond is now within the grounds of the Periyar Engineering College.
- The temple and the local people have appealed to the court to preserve this sacred pond and its heritage, although it remains an ongoing struggle.
The Sthala Virutcham (Sacred Tree):
- The temple is home to a unique Sthala Virutcham (sacred tree). This tree, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, is believed to emit a mild and enchanting fragrance that envelopes the entire temple.
- According to the Purana, this tree is said to exist only in the astral world, adding to the mystique and sacredness of the temple.