the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

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Abodes of Vishnu

62. Arulmigu Agilla Valli Nachiyar sameda Aadhi Varaaha Perumal Temple, Thiruvidandhai

Mulavar   Lakshmi Varaaha Perumal,Aadhi Varaaha Perumal
Utsavar   Nithya Kalyaana Perumal
Thayar   Komallavali Nachiyar, Agilla Valli Nachiyar
Kshethram    
Pose & Direction   Standing pose facing East
Theertham   Varaaha Theertham, Kalyaana Theertham
Vimanam   Kalyaana Vimanam
Sthala Vruksham    
Paadiyavar   Thirumangai Alwar
Travel Base   Chennai
Nearest Railway Station   Thiruvaanmiyur

Location

Thiruvidandhai is located about 40 kms from Chennai on the East Coast Road (ECR) before Mahabalipuram. While going from Chennai, one can see a big arch on the right side of the road, indicating the temple.

History

During Thretha Yuga , there lived a king called Bali, who was the son of King Meganaatha. He remained a victorious ruler. Three demon kings by name Maali, Maalyavaan and Sumaali approached him and requested him to support them in their war against Devas for which Bali refused. The demon kings went ahead and fought with Devas in which they were defeated. They again came to Bali and requested him that if he can be with them, they can win over Devas. As they insisted much, Bali accepted to help them in their battle against Devas. This time the demon kings (Asuras) won Devas in the battle. As Bali fought against Devas and won them, he acquired Brammahathi Dhosham and to get relieved of the ill effects of the Dhosham, he came to Thiruvidandhai and did penance towards the Lord. The Lord pleased with the devotion of Bali gave dharshan to him as Sri Varaaha Perumaal. Once, there lived a sage called Kuni. He along with his daughter performed severe penance together as they wanted to reach heaven. Sage Kuni succeeded in his penance and reached heaven but his daughter couldn’t. Sage Naradha appeared and told her that an unmarried woman cannot reach the heaven. She met many sages and requested them to marry her. Finally a sage called Kaalava Rishi, who lived in Thiruvidandhai agreed to marry her. After their marriage, she gave birth to 360 female children. As the girls grew up the Rishi was worried as he had to get all his daughters married, which was a huge task. He prayed Lord Vishnu for help but the Lord didn’t turn up. One day a handsome bachelor youth came to Thiruvidandhai as part of his holy pilgrimage. Kaalava Rishi requested the youth to marry his daughters. The young man agreed to marry one daughter everyday and the marriages went on everyday for 360 days. On the last day, the young man revealed himself as Lord Varaaha Perumaal to Kaalava Rishi and all the 360 daughters combined to become one woman, who was none other than Sri Lakshmi. The Lord gave her His left side and made her seated on His lap. The Goddess here is called as Komalavalli Thaayaar, as that was the name of the first daughter of Kaalava Rishi. As all the 360 wives merged together as one, the Goddess here is also called as Akilavalli Thaayaar. This story also signifies the philosophy that the Supreme God is the only male of the universe, who is, the ‘Maha Purusha’ or ‘Purushothama’ and all the living beings are Naayagis or females who with much devotion can reach the Lord.

Festival

Raja Raja Chozha I celebrated a 7day festival in Aavani and a 9day festival in Panguni. He also fed a number of Brahmins here. Vijaya Rajendra Chozha donated this entire village to the Thiruvidanthai Lord.

Timings: 6.00 am to 12.00 noon, 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm