Panchanatheeswarar Temple (Vadugurnathar Temple), Thiruvandarkoil, Puducherry
Panchanatheeswarar Temple (Vadugurnathar Temple) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruvandarkoil near Villianur in Puducherry. Thiruvandarkoil is also known as Vandaar Koyil / Vadukur. Presiding Deity is called as Vadukeeswarar / Panchanadeeswarar / Vadugurnathar. Mother is called as Thiripurasundari / Vaduvakirkanni. This shrine is known for the Bhairava manifestation of Shiva - Samhara Bhairava Vadugurnathar.
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and this temple is praised in the hymns of saint Thirugnana Sambandar. This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 16th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Saint Arunagirinathar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. This is beautiful temple under the control of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and has several inscriptions dating back to the period of Parantaka Chola and other great Chola kings like Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola.
Legends
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History
This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Parantaka-I. It is constructed in a style that is similar to that of Tanjore temple but it is much smaller in size. The historical name of this place is Vadukur and that of the temple is Andarkoil. However, over a period of time, this place’s name has been changed to Thiru Andarkoil. Currently, this temple is under the control of the Archaeological Department of India.
The Temple
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Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Festivals
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Literary Mention
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Prayers
Devotees believe that worshiping the lord of this temple would bless them with better job opportunities and promotions in works. Majority of people pray for promotion in jobs and to conquer arrogance and ego. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord. There are 8 pillars in the Artha Mandapa before Lord’s shrine. Worshipping Lord at this spot would bring royal honours and benefits to the devotee. Special abisheks are performed to Lord Vadukeeswarar and Lord Bhairava on Ashtami days for removal evil effects. Those facing problems in wedding matters and suffering from illnesses perform abishek to Lord Bhairava with honey and sugarcane juice and feed the dogs.
Lord Muruga on his peacock vehicle turning left graces with His six faces, 12 hands and weapons. Saint Arunagiriar in his Thirupugazh hymns ensures that the devotee would be relieved of all his/her sins if they worship Muruga in this form. Mother Durga graces from wall around the sanctum with her hands ready for a war. Devotees pray here for success in their efforts. Special abisheks are performed to Lord Vadukeeswarar and Lord Bhairava on Ashtami days for removal evil effects.
Contact
Panchanatheeswarar Temple (Vadugurnathar Temple),
Thiruvandar Koil Post
Kandamangalam Via,
Puducherry – 605 102
Mobile: +91 99943 05874 / 99941 90417
Connectivity
The temple is located at about 12 Kms, Villianur, 19 Kms from Puducherry, 20 Kms from Villupuram, 4.5 Kms from Chinnababusamudram, 179 Kms from Chennai and 183 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located on Pondicherry to Villupuram Route (NH 45A). All the buses from Villupuram to Pondicherry and vice versa pass through Thiruvandarkoil. The temple is located on the road side opposite to Food Corporation Godown. Nearest railway station is Chinnababu Samudram (4 kms) on the Villupuram to Pondicherry railway line. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Villupuram and Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.