Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Thevaara Paadal Petra Shivasthalangal


VadaAranyeswarar temple, Tiruvalangadu


Temple Information
Location of the templeTiruvalangadu, near Arakonam
Deity known asVadaAranyeswarar, Aalankatteesar, Oorthuvathandava Murthy
Female deity known asVandarkuzhalammai
PathigamThirunavukarasar, Sambandar, Sundarar
How to reach This shiva temple is 4 kilometers from Tiruvalangadu railway station on the Chennai-Arakonam section of the Southern Railway. One can hire an auto from the station. By road, it is 18 kilometers from Tiruvallur. The temple is conveniently located near the tiruvalangadu bus stop on the Tiruvallur-Arakonam route.
Near by Temples1. Elambayankottur - 20 Kms -
2. Tiruvirkolam - 17 Kms -
3. Tirupachur - 15 kms -
4. Tiruvenpakkam - 24 Kms - .
Temple addressArulmighu VadaAranyeswarar Temple
Tiruvalangadu
Tiruvalangadu Post
Tiruttani Taluk
Tiruvallore District
PIN 631210
Pancha SabhaRathna Sabha
Shakthi peetamKali peetam

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The Vadaranyeshwarar temple in Tiruvalangadu is celebrated as 'Rathna Sabha,' one of the Five Sabhas linked to Nataraja, where His divine dance occurred. This site is particularly significant as it is where Karaikkal Ammayar experienced a vision of Nataraja, and it is thought that she remains at His feet. The cosmic dance performed at Tiruvalangadu, known as 'Urdhva Thandavam,' features the right leg elevated near the right ear. The representation of Nataraja in this pose, standing about 4 feet tall with eight arms, is strikingly magnificent. The dynamic 'Urdhva Thandavam' of Nataraja is so powerful that it even causes the fierce goddess Kali to bow her head in humility. A sannidhi for Kali is located opposite Nataraja's sannidhi, accompanied by other deities. As per the Sthala Purana, devotees believe that visiting Vadaranyeshwara on the full moon day of the Tamil month 'Ippasi' brings great benefits and joys.


Temple Layout - The temple is characterized by a magnificent five-tiered Rajagopuram facing east, embellished with detailed sculptures that enhance its grandeur. Flanking the entrance are the sannidhis of Vallabha Ganapathy and Shree Shanmukha, accompanied by his consorts, Valli and Devanai. Upon entering through the gateway, one immediately notices an enclosure supported by pillars on the right, which serves as the site for the 'Abisheka' ritual dedicated to Natraja, marking it as a sacred area within the temple. Directly across the gateway, a dwajasthambam, balipeetam, and Nandi are positioned, followed by a three-tiered gopuram adorned with intricate carvings that reflect the temple's rich cultural legacy. The walls flanking the inner gopuram feature representations of Karaikal Ammayar and Meenakshi Sundareswarar, infusing the architecture with elements of mythology and history. The inner gopuram's gateway leads to an inner prakaram, where the sannidhi of the female deity Vandar Kuzhali Ammai is situated to the right, facing south, radiating her grace. Notably, the walls surrounding the female deity's sanctum lack 'gostha murthas,' allowing the stunning sculptural stone pillars within to draw the observer's admiration. Beyond the inner gateway lies the entrance to the sanctum of the presiding deity, where the five 'Sabhas' of Shiva are artistically rendered as stucco sculptures above the entrance, exemplifying the intricate artistry of the temple's craftsmen. The presiding deity, Vadaranyeshwarar, is venerated in the form of a Shiva Linga, oriented towards the east, symbolizing auspiciousness and divinity.



The prakaram around the presiding deity's santum houses many sannidhis. Among them are Surya, Athikara Nandi, Vijaya Raghava Perumal, along with their consorts. Additionally, Shanmukha, Akora Veerabhadra, Saptha Matha, Nalvar, Karaikkal Ammayar, Karkodaga, Sage Munjikesha, Pathanjali, Anantha, Chandesha Anugrahar, and eight idols of Vinayaka can be found. The 'Goshta' images consist of Vinayaka, Dakshinamurty, Lingothbhava, Brahma, and Goddess Durga, who is accompanied by Durga Paramehswara. Apart from these, there is also a sanidhi for Chandikeshwara. Furthermore, there are Lingas representing the five Shiva temples associated with the five elements of nature. Additionally, there are sannidhis for Sahasra linga, Gajalakshmi, Subrahmanya, and Papahariswara Linga. Notably, Bhairavar is seen without his usually accompanied 'Vahana' - the dog.


The Arudra Abhisheka Mandapam serves as the gateway to the Ratnasabha, where a strategically placed mirror enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Inside the Ratnasabha, the 'Urchava idol' of 'Urdhva Thandavar' Nataraja is accompanied by the idols of Sivakami and Karaikkal Ammayar, captivating visitors with their exquisite forms. The Ratna Sabha is distinguished by a large Spathikalingam and a smaller Emeraldalingam, with the 'Abhishekam' ritual performed four times daily. Additionally, an idol of Chandeshwara is prominently featured along the circumambulating path of the Ratna Sabha, while the 'Vimana' is embellished with a copper plate and five 'Kalash', symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.


Tiruvalangadu Inscriptions - The discovery of specific engravings at Tiruvalangadu unveiled a significant chapter in the history of Tamil Nadu. These engravings, etched on 22 copper plates enclosed within a sizable ring, contained inscriptions in both Tamil and vernacular languages, along with the Chola seal, thereby shedding light on the rich history of the Chola dynasty. The artifacts, which are currently on display at the Chennai Arts Gallery, serve as a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to delve into the intricate details of the Chola dynasty's reign and the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The inscriptions provide valuable insights into the political, social, and economic aspects of that era, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived during that time.

Tiruvalangadu Temple photos

Gopuram with its facade
Vallabha vinayakar
Shanmukha with His two consorts
Dwajasthambam, balipeetam and inner gopuram
3 tiered gopuram
Sahasra lingam and Nandhi
Banyan tree
A depiction of Urdhva Thandava on a mandap before the sacred banyan tree

To know more about Vadaranyeshwarar Temple, Tiruvalangadu, see Temple's official website.