Valampuranathar temple, Tiruvalampuram
Location
Tiruvalampuram (Mela Perum Pallam)
Deity
Valampuranathar
Female Deity
Vadu-Vakir-Kanni-Ammai
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 2, Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Valampuranathar Temple
How to Reach
This shiva temple is situated off the Mayiladuthurai–Tarangambadi Road. From the main road, take the branch road leading towards Poompuhar, and the temple is located about 2 km from the junction. It lies approximately 18 km from Sirkazhi and around 20 km from Mayiladuthurai, making it easily accessible from both towns.
Temple Address
Melaperumpallam
Melaiyur Post
Tharangambadi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609107
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Evening : 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple History and Legends
Sthala Purana
According to the temple's Sthala Purana, when Maha Vishnu set out to perform penance in worship of Shiva, he entrusted Maha Lakshmi to remain in the company of the Goddess enshrined at this sacred temple. Pleased with his intense devotion, Shiva bestowed upon Maha Vishnu the divine Chakrayudha (discus) and Gada (mace). Thereafter, Maha Vishnu returned to worship the Goddess here and received the remaining two of His divine emblems—the Shankha (conch) and the Padma (lotus), completing His four sacred attributes.
Origin of the Name Tiruvalampuram
According to the temple's Sthala Purana, Adi Sesha emerged from the River Kaveri at Tiru-Valanchuzhi, creating a deep cavern into which the swiftly flowing river disappeared into the netherworld. To restore the sacred river to the earth, Sage Heranda Maharishi entered the cavern at Thiruvalanchuzhi and willingly sacrificed himself. Through his supreme act of devotion, the River Kaveri re-emerged. After accomplishing this divine task, the sage circumambulated in a clockwise direction and surfaced on the riverbank at this sacred spot. For this reason, the place came to be known as Thiruvalampuram ("Valam" meaning clockwise circumambulation). In honour of this sacred event, the temple has a separate sannidhi dedicated to Sage Heranda Maharishi.
Divine Vision Granted to Tirunavukkarasar
While Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) was accompanying Thiru Gnana Sambandar on a pilgrimage to various sacred abodes of Shiva, Appar was summoned to this temple by God Shiva Himself and bestowed His divine darshan upon him here.
Origin of the Name Melapperumpallam
The presiding deity of this temple manifests as a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam with two deep natural depressions on its upper surface, each large enough to accommodate a hand. Owing to this unique feature, fragrant pastes are traditionally applied to the Lingam, and during abhishekam it is covered with a kuvalai (an inverted vessel) to prevent the sacred liquids from collecting within the cavities. Temple tradition holds that this distinctive characteristic gave rise to the name "Melapperumpallam."
Praised by All Three
This temple is one of the few shrines glorified in the Thevaram hymns of all three great Tamil Saiva saints—the Moovar (Thiru Gnana Sambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, and Sundarar). It is also one of the Maada Kovils, the elevated temples traditionally built by King Ko-chengat Chola.
Temple Structure
Presiding Deity (Moolavar Sannidhi)
In this east-facing temple, the presiding deity, Valampurinathar, manifests as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam, bestowing His divine grace upon devotees. The sanctum is distinguished by its exquisite sculptural workmanship, reflecting the temple's rich artistic heritage.
Other Shrines - Inner Prakaram
The inner prakaram houses separate sannidhis for Surya, Vinayaka, the Nalvar (the four great Saiva saints), Viswanathar, Murugan, Ramanathar, and Gajalakshmi, where devotees can offer their prayers during circumambulation.
Goddess Sannidhi
The sannidhi of the Goddess is situated in the Maha Mandapam and faces south. The temple's Bhikshadanar Murti is particularly noteworthy for its beauty and antiquity, while the Nataraja Sabha is also located within the Maha Mandapam. Opposite the temple, on the banks of the sacred temple tank, stands a sannidhi for Vinayaka. Nearby are the idol of Sage Heranda Maharishi and the Shiva Lingam worshipped by the sage, commemorating the temple's sacred Sthala Purana.
Sacred Water Bodies (Theerthams) and Sthala Vriksha
Associated 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 following temples have the palmyra tree (Panai Maram) as their Sthala Vruksham (sacred tree):
Temple Legends
The Legend of Dhananjayan, the King of Magadha
According to the temple's Sthala Purana, Dhananjayan, the king of Magadha, instructed his son before his death, saying, "After my demise, immerse my ashes at the place where they transform into flowers." Honouring his father's final wish, the prince journeyed to many sacred places carrying the ashes. When he finally reached this holy shrine, he witnessed the ashes miraculously transform into flowers. He then immersed them in the temple's sacred theertham. In remembrance of this divine event, a statue of King Dhananjayan can still be seen within the temple. Owing to this extraordinary miracle, the Puranas extol this sacred place as being even holier than Kashi.
The Legend of Pattinathar Drinking Rice Gruel
Another significant legend associated with this temple concerns a king who, while away on a hunting expedition, playfully instructed his minister to spread the false news that he had died. Unable to bear the shock of her husband's supposed death, the queen was overcome with grief and passed away. This tragic event left the king burdened with a grave sin (dosham). Seeking atonement, he approached learned sages for guidance. They advised him to feed a thousand people every day, assuring him that, on an auspicious day, a great saint would partake of the meal. At that very moment, the bell at the entrance of the palace would ring of its own accord, signifying that his sin had been absolved. The king faithfully carried out this sacred act of charity each day.
According to the temple legend, while annadanam (the charitable feeding of devotees) was being conducted, a divine voice (Asareeri) proclaimed, "In this temple where annadanam is offered, the bell that has remained silent for a long time will ring of its own accord. At that very moment, the king's sin will be absolved." As the daily annadanam continued, Saint Pattinathar arrived at the temple one day, overcome with hunger, and requested food from the Madapalli (temple kitchen). Since the meal was still being prepared for distribution, the kitchen staff requested him to wait. Unable to endure his hunger, Pattinathar went behind the kitchen, where rice gruel flowing from it had collected, and quenched his hunger by scooping it up with both hands. At that very instant, the long-silent temple bell began to ring on its own, signifying that the king's sin had been absolved, just as the divine voice had foretold.
Even before the annadanam had formally begun, the temple bell rang of its own accord, astonishing everyone present. Curious to discover the cause, they went in search of the source and found Saint Pattinathar standing near the temple kitchen. At that very moment, the king's sin was believed to have been completely absolved. In remembrance of this sacred event, the temple continues to celebrate an annual festival commemorating the ceremonial reception (Poorana Kumbha Mariyadhai) accorded to Saint Pattinathar by the king.
Gallery - Valampuranathar Temple
