Thiruthaleeshwarar Temple, Aranvoyal, Thiruvallur
Thiruthaleeshwarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Aranvoyal in
Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiruthaleeshwarar
and Mother is called as Maragadambikai. This temple was built by the Pallava Ruler Nandhivarman
II almost 1200 years back. This temple has the
reputation of relief of Naga Doshas of devotees who seek the blessings of the Lord.
History
It is
believed that the temple was originally built during the Pallava period by the Pallava
Ruler Nandhivarman II almost 1200 years back and later renovated during the
Chola period. Aditya Chola period inscriptions are also found in the
temple.
The
Temple
This is
a south facing temple with 5 tiered newly built Rajagopuram. The ancient temple
has been renovated recently and looks more like a modern day temple. The temple
is situated in a sprawling area of 14 acres of which 7 acres (approx.) is
occupied by the holy temple tank. The temple has a built up area of around 5000
sq. ft. At the entrance of the temple, an old idol of Ganesha is found, which
looks attractive.
The east
facing sanctum enshrines a small Shiva Lingam called as Thiruthaleeshwarar. The
bali peetha, flag staff and Nandi mandap are found facing towards the sanctum.
The sculptures of Ganapati, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found
as the niche idols. Chandikeswara is found in his usual location. The sanctum
is built as per the Gajabrushta architectural style.
There is
a separate south facing shrine for the Goddess Maragadambikai. The temple
has many pillars with beautiful sculptures. The prakara has the sub shrines of
Ganesha, Kartikeya with Valli and Devasena, Vishalakshi and Vishwanathar,
Nataraja-Sivakami, Meenakshi-Chokkanathar, Somaskanda Murti and of Utsava idols
such as Uma, Chandrasekhar, Ganesha and Murugan with his two consorts.
The
idols of Surya, Chandra, Manickavasagar and Bhairava are also found in the
prakaram. There is a special shrine where Vishnu is found along with Lakshmi on
his lap. He is called as Bhoga Murti. One can also see a lot of
inscriptions and markings on the temple walls. There is an image of Lord Vishnu in the open fields in this Village. An image of a
Consort of Lord Vishnu was also present nearby.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Tirur Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Putlur
Railway Station, 7 Kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Tiruvallur,
16 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur, 22 Kms from Avadi, 40 Kms
from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai International Airport. The temple is
located in Aranvoyal on the Chennai - Thiruvallur High Road. A
person must take the narrow road opposite the Kingfisher Distilleries. After
travelling for around 1.5 Kms along the winding road, the road splits
itself into two. Take the street on the left hand side and after 150 metres,
again take the road on the left hand side. The entrance of the temple can be
seen. MTC Bus numbers 566A, 501, 501X, 597, 153A, 153B, 153T stops at Aranvoyal
bus stand. Auto/Share Auto facilities are available.