Valeeswarar Temple,
Valikandapuram, Perambalur
Valeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva located at Valikandapuram near Perambalur Town in Perambalur District of
Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vaaleeswarar / Brahmapureeswarar and Mother
is called as Valambigai / Bhrihannayaki. The Temple is situated on eastern
banks of Koneri River. Arunagirinathar (15th century CE) has sung the praise of
Lord Muruga of this Temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
Valikandapuram is an important city in the Chola
Kingdom. The temple was built by the Cholas before the construction of
Tanjore Brihadeeswarar Temple popular known as Thanjai Periya Kovil. The Temple
has about 130 stone inscriptions including ones from the Chola period relating
to Aditya Chola I, Parantaka Chola and Rajaraja Chola. Krishnadevaraya has
contributed to the development of this temple.
Imperial Cholas allowed the popular merchant guilds to
have their small band of army. Some of the famous trade guilds operated in
medieval Southern India such as the Manigramam, Gatrigas, Nakaras,
Mummuridandas, Ayyavole-500, Settis, Birudas, Settiguttas, Ubhayananadesigal,
Biravaniges, etc. Valikandapuram is considered to be the birth place of
Manigramam. Lot of inscriptions in this temple refers to donation of lamps to
this Temple by this merchant guild. Hence this village would have been a
busiest place in ancient trade.
The Temple
The Temple is having an imposing sever tiered
Rajagopuram. Rajagopuram has stucco images of Europeans. Presiding Deity is
called as Vaaleeswarar. He is called by this name during Kulothunga III period
also. An inscription belongs to Kulothunga III attests this information. He is also
called as Brahmapureeswarar. The Temple is abundant with Chola Era Inscriptions
and intricate sculptures. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He
is facing east.
There is a Lord Murugan idol in the precinct surrounding
the sanctum. He is around 9 feet tall facing North. There is a Sahasra Linga
opposite to the Murugan Idol. Mother is called as Valambigai / Bhrihannayaki. She
is housed in a separate shrine. Her shrine is situated on the right side
immediately after the Rajagopuram. Her shrine is facing south. Some dilapidated
idols are kept in an open area opposite to Mother Shrine. This Temple got
destructed by Nawabs during 18th Century. These idols might be
result of this destruction.
There are three Nandhis namely Bala Nandhi, Vaaliba
Nandhi and Yavana Nandhi located in series facing the Sanctum. Bhairavar with
Naga around his waist in standing posture facing west can be seen in the
Mahamandapam. Dwalabalagars can be seen at the entrance of Artha Mandapam.
Shrine of Kalyana Vinayagar is located at the right side on entering Artha
Mandapam. Sanctum is located after crossing Bala Nandhi.
Kuthirai Mandapam of this temple is of great beauty. It
is also called as Natarajar Mandapam as it houses the Nataraja Idol. Also, it
houses various pillars depicting dance postures, Yali and Horsemen riding horses.
It was built during Krishna Devaraya Period. Similar type of Mandapams can be
seen in Srirangam, Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Vellore and Chidambaram
Temples. Bala Ganapathy is housed in a small stone mandapam located opposite to
Rajagopuram and to the south of Natarajar Mandapam.
Saravana Theertham is located inside the temple premises
on the right-hand side immediately after Rajagopuram. Theppam Festival is
celebrated annually in this Theertham during olden days. A sculpture depicting
Vaali worshipping Shiva can be seen in the Pillars located near the Theertham.
Legend of Vaali has been depicted in the Pillars of the Temple. Koneri River
flowing nearby is also considered as Theertham associated with this Temple.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and
04.30 PM to 07.00 PM.
Festivals
Adi Kirthikai and Tirukarthikai are celebrated grandly
for Lord Murugan of this Temple. All Shiva related festivals are celebrated
here. Monthly Pradoshams are observed here with reverence.
Singers
Arunagirinathar (15th century CE) has sung the praise of
Lord Muruga of this Temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Valikandapuram
Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Ranjankudi, 11 Kms from Perambalur Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Perambalur,
17 Kms from Siruvachur, 18 Kms from Tholudur, 39 Kms from Ariyalur Railway
Station and 72 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Trichy
Chennai National Highway between Perambalur and Thozhudur.