Vasudevanallur Chintamaninathar Temple (Arthanareeswar Temple) – Thirunelveli

Address

Vasudevanallur Chintamaninathar Temple (Arthanareeswar Temple) – Thirunelveli

Vasudevanallur,

Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu – 627 758

Mobile: +91 94423 29420

Moolavar

Chintamaninathar / Arthanareeswar

Amman

Idapaga Valli.

Introduction

• Location: Vasudevanallur, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated near the old Vasudevanallur bus stand.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Chintamaninathar, also known as Arthanareeswar, a form of Lord Shiva. The goddess is Idapaga Valli. The sacred tree is the Tamarind tree, and the temple’s Theertham (holy water) is the River Karuppai. Historically, this place is referred to as Vasavanur.
• Historical Significance: The region is historically notable for King Pulithevan’s resistance against the British during the colonial era.

Puranic Significance

1. Arthanareeswar Avatar:
   • The temple’s main deity is in the Arthanareeswara form, which symbolizes the inseparable unity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. This form was revealed to Sage Brungi, who had been worshipping only Lord Shiva, ignoring the goddess, believing Shiva and Shakti to be separate. To correct this, Lord Shiva manifested as Arthanareeswara, blending the divine male and female forms.
2. The Healing of Kulasekhara:
   • Another legend tells of King Ravi Varman, a devout Shiva follower, whose son, Kulasekharan, was cured of an illness by worshipping the Lord of this temple. In gratitude, the king built the temple.

Beliefs

• Blessings for Childbearing: Devotees who wish for children bathe in the River Karuppai and worship the goddess Idapaga Valli. It is believed that they will be blessed with children, which is why the river is known as Karu-pai (womb).
• Reunion for Separated Couples: Couples experiencing separation pray to Arthanareeswara for reconciliation. Upon the fulfillment of their wishes, they perform special rituals and offer clothing to the deity.

Special Features

• Arthanareeswar Form: Lord Shiva in the Arthanareeswar form combines both masculine and feminine aspects, with distinctive iconography:
  • Shiva (Right Side): Lord Shiva holds a trident, a skull, and an earring. The right leg wears an anklet in a male design, and he is adorned in a dhoti.
  • Parvathi (Left Side): Goddess Parvathi holds a rope, an Angusa (hook), a bouquet, and an earring. The left leg wears a female-design anklet, and she is draped in a sari.
  • Additional Details: The right side of the Lord has a crescent moon, while the left side has Jada-turf (hair knot). Lord Shiva has Ganga on his head, while the goddess’ side features the Jada-turf.
• Brungi Procession: Sage Brungi, who once worshipped only Shiva and ignored Parvathi, is the procession deity of the temple. During the Aani Brahmmotsavam, the deity of Arthanareeswara is placed together with Parvathi, while Brungi is depicted worshipping Shiva alone, representing the sage’s correction and acceptance of both deities.
• Chinthamani Nathar: The Lord is named Chinthamani Nathar due to the presence of tamarind trees in the temple’s vicinity. The tamarind fruit, both sweet and sour, symbolizes the deity’s characteristics.
• Additional Shrines:
  • Lord Nataraja, Lord Bhairava (without his dog vehicle), Yoga Chandikeswara, and several other deities including Sun, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Juradevar, Sapthamadhas, Veerabhadra, Panchalingam, Mahalakshmi, Dharma Sastha, Siddhi Vinayaka, Sani Bhagwan, Nagaraja, and Nagarani are worshipped in various shrines around the temple.

Festivals

• Aani Brahmmotsavam (June-July): A grand festival that includes the ritual of placing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi together, with Sage Brungi depicted worshipping Lord Shiva alone.
• Aipasi Skandasashti (October-November): Celebrating Lord Murugan’s victory, special rituals are performed.
• Margazhi Thiruvadirai (December-January): Celebrating Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.
• Thai New Moon Day (January-February): A special event for the worship of Lord Shiva.
• Chithirai New Year Day (April 14): Instead of the traditional Annabishekam in Aipasi, the temple celebrates this ritual on the first day of the Tamil New Year.

Century/Period

1000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Vasudevanallur

Nearest Railway Station

Sankarankoil

Nearest Airport

Madurai.

Location on Map

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