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.