Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Overview

History and Significance

The ancient Valleeswarar Temple, located in Paadi, a suburb of Chennai, was historically known as Tiruvalidhayam during the period of the Thevaram hymns. The temple is conveniently accessible from the Paadi TVS Lucas bus stop on Avadi Road. The name Tiru-vali-dhayam is associated with Sage Bharathvaj, who is believed to have worshipped the presiding deity, Validhaya Nathar, in the form of a black sparrow known as a valiyan. The eastern entrance of the temple is marked by a three-tiered gopuram that opens into a spacious courtyard housing the dwajasthambam (flagstaff) and Nandi. Surrounding the temple is a Nandhavanam (temple garden), which adds to the beauty and serenity of the temple complex.

Guru Parihara Sthalam

To the right of the courtyard in the Valleeswarar Temple is a sannidhi dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), highlighting Tiruvalidhayam’s importance as a revered Guru Parihara Sthalam, where it is believed that the planetary deity Jupiter was relieved of adverse influences. A passage from the outer prakaram leads to the inner prakaram, which houses the east-facing sanctum of the presiding deity, Thiruvalidhayanathar. The sanctum’s vimana is built in the distinctive Gajaprushta style (elephant-back shaped structure). Adjacent to this is the south-facing sannidhi of the goddess Jagathambikai. A gateway opposite her sannidhi opens into the southern outer prakaram, where a Simha Vaahanam and the Balipeetam are placed facing the goddess, forming an important part of the temple’s ritual layout.

Sanctum Sculptures

Inside the sanctum of the presiding deity at the Valleeswarar Temple, an original idol of Jagathambikai is preserved. It is believed that this idol was damaged in earlier times, after which a new idol was consecrated in the goddess’s dedicated sanctum for worship. The walls surrounding the sanctum are adorned with intricate sculptures of several deities, including Surya, Balasubramaniar with four hands, Vinayaka, Dakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Goddess Durga. Temple tradition also holds that Rama worshipped Tiruvalidhayanathar here. In temples where Mahavishnu or his incarnations are believed to have prayed to Shiva, a unique feature can be seen: instead of the usual Lingothbhava image on the rear wall of the sanctum, a depiction of Mahavishnu is installed. This distinctive aspect adds to the spiritual and historical significance of the temple.

Inner Prakaram Shrines

Within the inner prakaram of the Valleeswarar Temple, there are several additional sannidhis. These include Somaskandar, Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, a Shiva Linga worshipped by Anjaneya, and Meenakshi Sundareswarar, who is believed to have relieved Indira of a curse. A sacred Shiva Linga revered by Bharadwaj Maharishi is also enshrined among the other deities. The temple’s pillars are beautifully adorned with intricate carvings depicting Natarajar, Murugan, Kothandaramar, Machavathara Moorthy, Koormavadhara Moorthy, and various other divine forms, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the temple. The Paadhiri tree serves as the temple’s sthala viruksham (sacred temple tree). It holds great religious significance and is regarded as highly auspicious by devotees visiting the temple.