Valampuranathar temple, Tiruvalampuram
Location: Tiruvalampuram (Mela Perum Pallam)
Deity known as: Valampuranathar
Female Deity: Vadu-Vakir-Kanni-Ammai
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 2, Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Valampuranathar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located on the Mayiladuthurai–Tarangambadi road. From this main road, one must take the branch road leading towards Poompuhar, from where the temple is situated about 2 km away. It is at a distance of approximately 18 km from Sirkazhi and about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Tiruvalampuram
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Sivasthalams
| 1 | Mayiladuthurai - 22 kms | |
| 2 | TiruNanipalli (Punjai) - 8.6 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Thalaichankadu - 3.9 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Aakkur - 9.8 kms | |
| 5 | Tiru-Kadaiyur - 11 kms | |
| 6 | Tiru-Chaai-Kaadu - 3 kms | |
| 7 | Tiru-Venkadu - 5.8 kms |
Temple History and Legends
Sthala Purana
When Maha Vishnu set out to perform penance in devotion to Shiva, he entrusted MahaLakshmi to remain as a companion to the Goddess of this place. As a result of his intense penance, Maha Vishnu received the Chakrayudha (discus) and Gada (mace) from Shiva. Thereafter, he returned to worshipp the Goddess, and received the Conch (Shankha) and Lotus (Padma). This sacred episode is narrated in the temple's Sthala Purana.
Origin of the Name Tiruvalampuram
Adi Sesha emerged from the River Kaveri, creating a large cavern (deep pit) at Tiru-Valanchuzhi. The swiftly flowing River Kaveri rushed into this cavern formed by Adi Sesha and disappeared into the netherworld. Sage Heranda Maharishi descended into this cavern at Tiru-Valanchuzhi and sacrificed himself to bring the River Kaveri back to the surface. After restoring the river, he circumambulated (moved clockwise) and emerged on the riverbank at this place. Hence, this sacred site came to be known as "Thiruvalampuram." A separate sannidhi for Sage Heranda exists at this temple.
Divine Vision Granted to Tirunavukkarasar
While Tirunavukkarasar was visiting various abodes of Shiva along with Sambandar, Shiva summoned him to this sacred place and granted him divine darshan here.
Origin of the Name Melapperumpallam
On the upper portion of the Swayambhu Lingam at this temple, there are two depressions deep enough to insert a hand. Due to this unique feature, fragrant substances are applied to the Lingam. During abhishekam, the Lingam is covered with a 'kuvalai' (an inverted mug) so that the abhishekam liquids do not collect within the cavities. Owing to these distinctive characteristics, the place is believed to have acquired the name "Melapperumpallam."
Praised by All Three
This place holds the distinction of being praised through pathikams by all three Tamil Saiva saints (the Moovar) and is structured as a Maada Kovil (an elevated temple).
Temple Structure
Presiding Deity (Moolavar Sannidhi)
In this east-facing temple, the presiding deity Valampurinathar graces devotees in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam. The sanctum is adorned with fine sculptural workmanship.
Other Shrines - Inner Prakaram
Within the inner prakaram, there are sannidhis for Surya, Vinayaka, the Nalvar (four Saiva saints), Viswanathar, Murugan, Ramanathar, and Gajalakshmi.
Goddess Sannidhi
The sannidhi of the female consort deity is located in the Mahamandapam and faces south. The Bikshadanar Murti here is especially remarkable. The Nataraja Sabha is also situated within the Mahamandapam.
Temple Tank and Special Features
On the banks of the temple tank opposite the temple, there is a sannidhi of Vinayaka. Nearby are the idol of Sage Heranda and the Lingam worshipped by him.
Sacred Water Bodies (Theerthams) and Sthala Vriksha
Temple Theerthams
The temple has the following sacred water bodies:
- Brahma Theertham
- Lakshmi Theertham
- Shivagangai Theertham
Sthala Vriksha (Sacred Tree)
The Palm tree (Aanpanai) is revered as the sacred tree of this temple.
The group of temples where the Sthala Vruksham (sacred tree) is the palm tree (Panai maram) are:
Temple Legends
The Legend of Dhananjayan, the King of Magadha
Dhananjayan, the king of the land of Magadha, instructed his son before his death, saying, "After my demise, immerse my ashes at the place where they transform into flowers." After the king passed away, his son traveled to many places in accordance with this instruction. Finally, upon reaching this site, he witnessed the ashes transforming into flowers. He then immersed the ashes in the theertham of this temple. A statue of this king exists at this temple even today. Hence, the Puranas proclaim that this place is holier even than Kashi.
The Legend of Pattinathar Drinking Rice Gruel
Another important temple legend is associated with this site. Once, a king went on a hunting expedition and, as a jest, sent false news through his minister claiming that he had died. On hearing this shocking news, the queen was overwhelmed with grief and passed away. As a result, the king incurred grave sin (dosham). Seeking redemption, he consulted learned sages. They advised him that if he fed a thousand people daily, a great saint would one day partake in the food, and at that moment, the bell at the palace entrance would ring on its own, signifying the removal of his sin. The king followed this instruction faithfully.
On one occasion, while annadanam (charitable feeding) was being conducted, a divine voice (Asareeri) proclaimed, "In this temple where annadanam is performed, the bell that has remained silent for a long time will ring by itself. At that moment, the king's sin will be absolved." As the annadanam continued day after day, Pattinathar once arrived at this temple at the time of food distribution. Being extremely hungry, he asked for food from the person in charge of the temple kitchen (Madapalli). As the food was getting ready for the annadanam, the kitchen staff asked Pattinathar to wait. Hungry and unable to wait, Pattinathar went behind the kitchen and quenched his hunger by scooping up and drinking the rice gruel flowing out of the kitchen with both hands. Immediately thereafter, the bell—which had not rung for a long time—began to ring on its own, according to the temple legend.
Before the annadanam had even formally begun, the bell rang, astonishing everyone. When they went to see what had happened, they beheld Pattinathar standing there. At once, the king's sin was absolved. To this day, a traditional festival commemorating the king's ceremonial reception of Pattinathar is celebrated annually at this temple.
Annual Festival
A traditional festival commemorating the king's ceremonial reception of Pattinathar is celebrated annually at this temple, keeping alive this sacred legend.
Gallery - Valampuranathar Temple
