the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

According to legend, in ancient times this region was densely covered with Vilva trees. It is believed that once, a few locals had noticed a cow pouring its milk on a particular ant-hill every day. After clearing that place, they found a Swayambu lingam and built a temple around it. Another legend associated with this place is that when the temple priest used to bring water for Pooja / Abishekam, he was being troubled by a demon (asura) called Kanjan. The priest complained to Lord Shiva about his troubles and on hearing his plea, Lord Shiva instructed Nandhi (his mount) to kill the demon. Nandhi executed the lord’s order and killed the demon. It is said that Nandhi tore the demon into eight pieces and these eight parts fell in eight different places – Lalapettai (skull), Seekarajapuram (head), Maveri (chest), Vadakal (right leg), Thenkal (left leg), Maniampattu (wrist), Kugayanallur (intestines), Narasingapuram (nerves) and Maruthampakkam (thorax). Later, in all these places Shiva temples were constructed. Seeking absolution for his sins, the demon Kanjan pleaded to Lord Shiva. The lord answered his pleas and his request for pardon and granted him mukti. The lord also blessed him by saying that wherever his blood had fallen, a Shiva lingam would appear. Even today one can see hundreds of such Shiva lingams on the nearby hill. It is also believed that if one digs anywhere on the hill, he can find a Shiva lingam.It is believed that since Lord Shiva found that the temple priest was struggling to bring water from the nearby river, he called the river to come near his temple. The river changed its course and started flowing near the temple. Since Lord Shiva called the river to come near to his temple (nee vaa meaning come here in Tamil), this river is now called Neeva.Since the lord instructed the Nandi to safeguard this temple from the demon, the Nandi idol at this temple is seen facing away from the lord and looking towards the nearby hill (Kanjangiri). The legend of Nandhi fighting with the demon Kanjan is depicted in a sculpture in the hall (Sabha Mandapam) and also in the form of reliefs chiselled on the hall pillars. Another legend related to this temple is that once a person was on his way to Kasi to dissolve a relative’s ashes (Asthi) in the Ganges. Since Thiruvalam was a famous pilgrimage centre in the past, he decided to take some rest here and he kept the ashes near the temple tank. When he decided to resume his journey, he was surprised to see the Asthi changed to jasmine flowers. He proceeded to Kasi as planned and after reaching there, another surprise awaited him – the jasmine flowers had again changed back to ashes. Since he found that the Thiruvalam temple had changed the ashes into jasmine flowers, he decided not to dissolve the ashes in the Ganges, but instead bring it back to this temple and dissolve it in the temple tank itself. Even Saint Thirugnanasambanthar in his hymn has praised Lord Shiva of this temple as the lord who can grant the boon of salvation. This temple is also referred to as a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation).

This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 10th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested lingam). This temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 4-tiers and this temple has three corridors (Praharam). The temple is facing east with an entrance from south. This temple is located on the banks of the Neeva river (also called Ponnai river). It is said that Lord Shiva was worshiped by a demon (asura) called Theekkali, so this place is also known as Theekkali Vallam. This is a huge and beautiful temple, built by the kings of Pallava and Chola dynasties. There are quite a few references of Rajendra Chola in the stone inscriptions. The stone inscriptions in this temple reveal that this was an important pilgrimage centre in the past. We can find references of pilgrims using Thiruvalam as a resting place before journeying to other pilgrimages in southern states and as far off places as Banaras (Kasi) in Uttar Pradesh.It is believed that Thiruvalam is the place where Lord Vinayaka established the truth that ‘world’ means one’s father and mother. Lord Vinayakar is said to have obtained the divine fruit from his father, Lord Shiva after the circumambulation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. That is why the place is called Thiruvalam (valam in Tamil means making a round). Here the Vinayakar is called Kani Vangiya Vinayagar (the lord who received the fruit). As Lord Mahavishnu worshiped Lord Shiva here, his footprint is kept for worship in front of the flag post. There are beautiful sculptures for the 27 Nakshatrams (constellation depicting the birth stars) on one of the towers (Vimaanam). Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

On all full moon days, special poojas are performed to the Shiva lingams in the Kanjan hill. The event of Lord Shiva granting “mukti” to the demon Kanjan is celebrated in a grand manner on the 10th day of the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). On this day, the procession idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Kanjanagiri (a nearby hill). Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are - Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Pankuni (March-April) and Theerthavari in the Neeva river on Masi Makam day (February-March).