Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode - History
In
ancient days, Tiruchengode was known as Thirukodimaadachenkundrur – one of the
historic places in Tamil Nadu. It was also known as Thiruchengottankudi
Nageswaram. It enshrines the Ardhanareeswarar (man-woman) manifestation of
Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati, is enshrined in this
revered hill temple of great significance, accessible by a Motorable road; this
is an ancient temple mentioned in the Tamil work, Silappadikaram as
Neduvelkunru. The red color of the hill is the reason that it was called
Chengode. This temple is regarded as the 4th of the 7 Tevara Stalams in the
Kongu Region of Tamil Nadu.
The
temple dates back to the Sangam
period and was renovated
during the periods of Cholas, Pandyas and Nayak kings. A British officer, Davis,
repaired some parts of the temple. We can see his image in Mukkoottu Vinayagar
temple. Tirugnanasambandar wrote ‘Tiruneelakanta Pathigam’ and Arunagirinathar
is believed to have written ‘Tirupugal’ in this temple.
It is
believed that Kannagi (Silappathikaram), after demolishing the city of Madurai
by fire is called to Sorgam (Heaven) by her husband Kovalan at the peak of the
Tiruchengode hill. Tiruchengode has the pride of having the country’s first
Gandhi Ashram a tribute to India’s great leader Mahatma Gandhi and opened by
country’s then viceroy Rajaji (Rajagopalachari).
