Friday, September 1, 2017

Valipureeswarar Temple, Valikottai, Pandithakudi, Thiruvarur

Valipureeswarar Temple, Valikottai, Pandithakudi, Thiruvarur
Valipureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Valikottai Village near Pandithakudi in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Legends
Vali’s physical prowess was unconquerable as that of Hercules in western epics. He was a staunch Shiva devotee. He was always chanting the Shiva Nama and glory of Lord Shiva. He prayed to Lord in touching words to pardon him if he had committed sins knowingly or unknowingly. He also prayed that he should have no enemies to fight as he had no such warring mindset. If and when he had to counter an enemy, he may be blessed to absorb half the strength of his opponent so that he may defeat him. He went to various Shiva Kshetras, dug tanks for the abishek of Lord and performed pujas with Vilwa leaves. 
Pleased with his life of penance and worship, Lord appeared before him and granted the boon he wished. Pandithakudi near Koothanallur in Tiruvarur district is one such famous place Vali where worshipped Lord Shiva. He bound the ten headed Ravana with his Vaal – tail. Probably, he got the name Vali because of this heroic instance. Great Shiva devotee Vali the elder brother of Sugreeva is honoured with a shrine in the temple. Devotees worship here for relief from planetary adversities and for happy marital life.
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Valipureeswarar and Mother is called as Valambikai. Great Shiva devotee Vali the elder brother of Sugreeva is honoured with a shrine in the temple. The temple has shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga and Dakshinamurthy.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Festivals
Special pujas on all Mondays – Somavara pujas – Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Maha Shivarathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those facing some problems due to planetary adversities in marriage affairs believe that worshipping Mother Valambikai would free them from such problems and bless them with happy marital life. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform abishek and vastras to Lord and Mother with sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal – Nivedhana for a lasting happiness and prosperity.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 14 Kms far from Mannargudi, 2 Kms from Koothanallur, 20 Kms from Thiruvarur and 106 Kms from Trichy. Bus facility is available frequently from Va Kottai. Auto facility is also available. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mannargudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.