Saturday, January 8, 2022

Virundheeswarar Temple, Vadamadurai, Coimbatore

Virundheeswarar Temple, Vadamadurai, Coimbatore

Virundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vadamadurai near Thudiyalur in Coimbatore North Taluk in Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Virundheeswarar and Mother is called as Vishwa Nayagi. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu.


Legends

Virundheeswarar:

As per legend, Sundaramurthy Nayanar was on religious pilgrimage in Kongu region. He came to this place after worshipping Lord Shiva at Avinashi. He was very tired and hungry due to his tedious journey. He prayed to Lord Shiva to come to his rescue. An elderly couple came to this place where Sundarar was resting and fed him with delicious food made of drumstick leaves and fruits. Sundarar regained his strength and found that the couple offered him the food was none other than Lord Shiva and Parvathy. As Lord Shiva offered Virundhu (hosting the guests with food), he came to be called as Virundheeswarar.

Adhikara Nandi:

It is said that Lord Shiva granted his equal power to his mount Nandhi at this temple, hence this Nandi is called Adhikara Nandi, the concept of Adhikara Nandi is originated from this temple.

Other Names:

Vadamadurai was known as Ganeswaram, Agasthya Nallur and Gandhamapuri in different Yugas. 

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 7th century CE. The last consecration ceremony was held on 11 July 2019.


The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the mukha mandapa facing towards sanctum. There is a south facing shrine for Nataraja in the maha mandapam. Normally, Lord Nataraja is depicted with his long hair flying wide but in this temple, he is depicted with his hair well dressed. Adhikara Nandi can be found in the maha mandapam.


Presiding Deity is called as Virundheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The sanctum actually enshrines two Shiva Lingams. The Swaymbhu Linga is situated at the back and a small Lingam in the front. It is said that sun rays fall on the Shiva Linga on 17th of Panguni month every year. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.


Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Vishwa Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lakshmi Narayana Perumal in the temple premises. There are shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Subrahmanya, Suryan, Chandran, Anjaneya, Saneeswarar, Kala Bhairavar and Navagrahas in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vana Murungai (Drumstick). Theertham associated with this temple is Vidagara Theertham.


Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 1.00 PM and from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Festivals

Thai Poosam, Margazhi Arudhra darshan, Maha Shivrathri, Panguni Uthiram, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Kala Bhairavar Ashtami and monthly pradoshams are celebrated here.

Prayers

It is a general belief that performing abhishekas to the Adhikara Nandi in this temple during pradoshas brings lot of fortunes to the devotee. Devotees pray to Lakshmi Narayana Perumal of this temple with Tulsi for harmony in married life and reunion of couples, who are separated for some reason.

Contact

Virundheeswarar Temple,

Mettupalayam Road, K. Vadamadurai Post,

Near Thudiyalur, Coimbatore North Taluk,

Coimbatore District – 641 017

Mobile: +91 94428 44884

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 metres from Vadamadurai Bus Stop, 500 metres from Thudiyalur, 10 Kms from Coimbatore, 11 Kms from Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Coimbatore Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ukkadam Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. The Temple is situated on Coimbatore to Mettupalayam road.

Location