the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

According to the legend, Lord Brahma's two daughters - Kamalai and Vimalai wished to marry Lord Shiva. Knowing that their wish is very difficult to be fulfilled, Lord Brahma sent them to worship Lord Shiva on the banks of river Paalaru. Lord Shiva was pleased with their penance and appeared before them. He told them that it was not possible for him to marry them as he was already married to Goddess Parvathi. He further advised them to marry Lord Vinayakar instead. Heading to Lord Shiva’s wishes, they married Lord Vinayakar in this place as soon as he returned after conquering the demon king Gajamukasuran. (Another legend states that Lord Vinayakar’s wifes are called Siddhi and Buddhi.) Another legend is associated with this place dates back to the time of Mahabharatha. It is believed that Sage Bharadwaj (Dhronachariyar’s father), had visited this temple. It is believed that once Sage Bharadwaj had been cursed to take the form of a bird. He visited many Shiva temples and worship the lord to seek relief from this curse. Finally, he is believed to have reached this place, created a well (Bharadwaja Theertham), worshipped Lord Shiva here and got his curse lifted. The name Thiru Valithayam comes from Valiyan – a black bird in Tamil and Thiru is a respectful prefix. Hence, the lord here is also praised as Sri Valithaya Nathar. It is believed that Lords Indra, Mahavishnu, Ram, Hanuman, Lov, Kush, Manmadan, Sugreeva, Sage Agasthiar, Sage Bharadwaj, Yama, Vayu, Agni, Sun and Moon have worshiped the lord here. It is believed that Planet Jupiter (Brahaspathi /Guru Bhagwan) worshipped Lord Shiva here and got relieved of his sins.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 21st Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). This east facing temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors. Lord Vinayakar’s wedding with Kamalai and Valli took place here. The Vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.This temple is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru (planet Jupiter). This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by Chola kings. The historical name of this place is Thiruvalithayam but it is now known as Paadi.Lord Vinayakar can be seen with his consorts and he is in his wedding form. The corridors of this temple have Shivalingams that are believed to have been worshipped by Lord Indra, Sage Bharadwaj and Hanuman. There is a separate shrine for Jupiter (Lord Guru Bhagwan) in the outer corridor. As per the sthala puranam, there are eleven temples situated around this temple that adorn Thiruvlithayam like a garland. This makes Thiruvalidayam very auspicious. These eleven temples are – Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruverkadu, Thiruvirkolam, Thiru Ilambayankottur, Thiruvooral, Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvenpakkam, Thirupachur, Thirumullaivoyal and Thiruvotriyur. The vimana (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam look like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear). The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of a semi-circular tank (Akazhi in Tamil). Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on full moon days will grant them salvation. This temple is considered as one of the Guru Parihara sthalams. As Lord Vinayakar is in his wedding form in this temple, it is believed by devotees that worshiping him here will expedite their marriage proposals.

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May), Thai Kruthikai in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan), Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Jupiter (Guru) transit days. Pradosham is also observed regularly.