Temple Layout - The Tiruvalam temple, located along the banks of the Niva River, spans an area of five acres and features a prominent entrance leading to a mandap and a south-facing four-tiered Raja Gopuram. According to Legend, the river altered its course at the behest of Lord Shiva, who called it 'Neeva,' meaning 'you come' in Tamil, eventually evolving into the name 'Niva.' Historically, the river's water was utilized for the anointing of the deity. Upon entering through the Rajagopuram, visitors encounter 'Gauri Theertham' to the right, which contains an island enclosure known as 'Neerazhi Madapam.' A gateway with another three-tiered gopuram provides access to the inner prakaram, where the "urchava" idols are kept, alongside smaller-sized sannidhis dedicated to Kasi Vishwanathar and Chandra Mouleeshwarar compared to the larger-sized sannidhi for Arunachaleshwara Linga. There are more small-sized Lingas named SadaShiva, Ananthar, SreeKantar, Ambikeshwarar with the SahasraLinga nearby to these lingas. Arumukha is depicted alongside his consorts Valli and Deivanai, as well as the Nag devatha, while an idol of the saint poet Arunagirinathar is positioned in a corner. Adjacent to Arumkhas sannidhi are three more Lingas named Guru Eeshwarar, Vishnu Eeshwarar, and Vidhatha Eeshwarar. An ancient jackfruit tree stands opposite the sannidhi of the presiding deity Aadi Vilva Natheshwarar.
A distinctive feature of this temple is the presence of four Nandis. Consistent with typical temple architecture, one Nandi is positioned in alignment with the balipeetam and dwajasthambam on the eastern side of the outer prakaram. Another nandi called 'Adikara Nandi' is in line with the first nandhi. The third Nandi is located within the 'Artha Madap,' while the fourth, notably larger and erected by 'Tiruvalam Mouna Swamigal,' is centrally placed among the others. The Adhikara Nandi faces west towards the deity, whereas the other three Nandis are oriented eastward, away from the deity. Due to its considerable size, the fourth Nandi obstructs the view of the presiding deity.
The main deity, VilvaNatheshwarar, is represented as a 'swayambhu linga' situated on a square 'Avudayar' within an east-facing sanctum. This sanctum features two entrances, one from the east and another from the south, and is encircled by a moat-like structure. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with numerous inscriptions and with Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, and Brahma, collectively known as 'Goshta Murtha's. Surrounding the sanctum is a prakaram that houses sannidhis for Brahmi, Chandeshwarar, and the 63 Nayanmars, arranged in two tiered rows. Within the mandap of the sanctum, there is a sannidhi dedicated to Shankara Narayanar, while a distinctive sannidhi for Paathaleshwara is located below ground level, resembling a vault, containing a Shiva Linga, Nandi, and Vinayaka. It is believed that anointing Pathaleshwarar for 48 consecutive days during periods of famine or drought can invoke necessary rainfall. The stone sculptures of 'Dwara Palaka' flanking the main sanctum entrance are notable for their intricate artistry, with one depicting a hand gesture indicative of a dance posture. Additionally, situated between the Nandi and the main deity is the Jeeva Samadhi of Sanakar, a disciple of Dakshinamurthy. Meditating here is believed to mitigate the repercussions of past life curses.
A notable aspect of this temple is the representation of the physical forms of the 27 stars, which are intricately illustrated on the vimana that crowns the sanctum.
This location is renowned as the site where Avvaiyar was bestowed with the extraordinary gooseberry, a fruit believed to grant longevity to those who partake of it. It is here, at this hallowed ground, that Vinayaka circled around his mother, Umadevi, and his father, Lord Shiva, ultimately receiving a mango as a divine gift. Within a specially designated shrine adjacent to the Sani Bhagvan's Sannidhi, Ganesha is depicted seated on a Padma Peetam, elevated upon a Chatura Peetam, and holding a mango delicately in his trunk, serving as a poignant reminder of this significant event.
The saint poet Arunagirinathar composed a song in his Tirupugazh dedicated to the veneration of Muruga. Additionally, there are two distinct sannidhis of Mahavishnu flanking the sannidhi of the goddess. One sannidhi features Mahavishnu in a standing position, while the other depicts him seated. In front of the goddess's sannidhi, a balipeetam and a lion are present.
According to local legend, the Nandi statue in the temple is positioned to face outward for a significant purpose. The tale recounts that a devoted worshipper would travel five kilometers to a pond at 'Kanchana giri' to collect water for the deity's anointment. This devotee faced harassment from a demon named 'Kanchan', who had been granted immortality by Shiva. Distressed, the devotee prayed to Lord Shiva, who then dispatched Nandi to confront the demon. Nandi triumphed, using his horns to dismember Kanchan into eight parts, and it is said that wherever the demon's blood fell, a Shiva Linga emerged, thereby sanctifying the land. Today, many Shiva Lingas can be found along the mountain's banks during excavations. To honor the defeat of Kanchan, special ceremonies are held at the eight temples built on the sites where his body parts fell. Nandi's outward gaze towards the temple gate serves to ward off any potential disturbances from Kanchan. Additionally, a radiant Jyoti appears on the mountain during each full moon, particularly bright during the Tamil months of Chitra and Thai, attracting increased visitation to this sacred site in recent years.
In Sambandhar's pathikam and Arunagirinathar's tirupugazh, this place is referred as tiruvallam.
Entrance
Gopuram
View
Navagraha
West facing Larger Nandi
Nandi facing west
Adhikara nandi
Inside view of the temple
Primary four Nayanmars
Sahasra Lingam
Kaala Bhairavar