Shri Valeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at
Valikandapuram near Perambalur Town in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu.
Presiding Deity is
called as Vaaleeswarar / Brahmapureeswarar and Ambal is called
as Valambigai / Bhrihannayaki. The Temple is situated on eastern banks of Koneri
River. Arunagirinathar (15th century CE) has sung the praise of Lord Muruga of
this Temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns. (Arunagirinathar (15th century CE) has
sung the praise of Lord Muruga of this Temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns).
Valikandapuram is an important city in the Chola Kingdom.
The temple was built by the Cholas before the construction of Tanjore
Brihadeeswarar Temple popular known as Thanjai Periya Kovil. The Temple has
about 130 stone inscriptions including ones from the Chola period relating to
Aditya Chola I, Parantaka Chola and Rajaraja Chola. Krishnadevaraya has
contributed to the development of this temple. Imperial Cholas allowed the
popular merchant guilds to have their small band of army.
Valikandapuram is considered to be the birth place of
Manigramam. Lot of inscriptions in this temple refers to donation of lamps to
this Temple by this merchant guild. Hence this village would have been a
busiest place in ancient trade. Vanara King Vali worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple and hence the Lord
came to be called as Vaaleeswarar and Ambal came to be called as Valambikai.
Even, Koneri River flows nearby was called as Vaali Nadhi and Vaali Theertham.
It is believed that Vanara King Vaali created this City during his rule and
hence it is called as Valikandapuram. As per Sthala Purana, Lord Brahma
consecrated Shiva Linga on the banks of Koneri River and worshipped him to get
darshan of Lord Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva is also called as Brahmapureeswarar.
The Village was called as Brahmapuri and Koneri River was called as Brahma
Theertham because of its association with Lord Brahma. Koneri River: Pancha
Pandavas lived here during their Vanavasa by hiding their identities and worked
under Virada king who ruled this area. During this time Dharma played dice game
with the king and found that the king was indulging in foul play so Pandavas
got angry and was about to pick fight with the King. Due to their compulsion of
hiding their identities they kept calm and took bath in the river and
worshipped Lord Shiva here to get rid of their anger. Hence the river calmed
down their anger; river is called as Koneri River. Hence Virada ruled over this
area, area is called as Ladapuram. Presently Ladapuram is located to the west
of Valikandapuram. Kandeeram: During Sangam Age, this place was ruled by Velir
king Kandeerakko and hence it is called as Kandeeram. Later on, due to its
association with the legend of Vaali, the name of this place has been changed
to Valikandapuram. Suthamallan Jayamkonda Chozha Vannattudaiyan blessed with
male child by praying to Lord Shiva here: In olden days, this place was ruled
by Suthamallan Jayamkonda Chozha Vannattudaiyan. He was not having heir to rule
his kingdom. He prayed to Lord Vaaleeswarar sincerely for Child. He was blessed
with male child by the grace of Lord Shiva. He endowed this Temple with
revenues from Pugazharai Village. This incident was recorded in one of the
inscriptions in this Temple.
The Temple is having an
imposing sever tiered Rajagopuram. Rajagopuram has stucco images of Europeans.
An inscription belongs
to Kulothunga III attests his association with this temple.. The Temple is
abundant with Chola Era Inscriptions and intricate sculptures. He is housed in
the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing east. There is a Lord Murugan
idol in the precinct surrounding the sanctum. He is around 9 feet tall facing
North. There is a Sahasra Linga opposite to the Murugan Idol. Ambal sannithi is
housed in a separate shrine. Her shrine is situated on the right side
immediately after the Rajagopuram. Her shrine is facing south. Some dilapidated
idols are kept in an open area opposite to Mother Shrine. This Temple got
destructed by Nawabs during 18th Century. These idols might be result of this
destruction. There are three Nandhis namely Bala Nandhi, Vaaliba Nandhi and
Yavana Nandhi located in series facing the Sanctum. Bhairavar with Naga around
his waist in standing posture facing west can be seen in the Mahamandapam.
Dwalabalagars can be seen at the entrance of Artha Mandapam. Shrine of Kalyana
Vinayagar is located at the right side on entering Artha Mandapam. Sanctum is
located after crossing Bala Nandhi. Kuthirai Mandapam of this temple is of
great beauty. It is also called as Natarajar Mandapam as it houses the Nataraja
Idol. Also, it houses various pillars depicting dance postures, Yali and
Horsemen riding horses. It was built during Krishna Devaraya Period. Similar
type of Mandapams can be seen in Srirangam, Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram,
Vellore and Chidambaram Temples. Bala Ganapathy is housed in a small stone
mandapam located opposite to Rajagopuram and to the south of Natarajar
Mandapam. Saravana Theertham is located inside the temple premises on the
right-hand side immediately after Rajagopuram. Theppam Festival is celebrated
annually in this Theertham during olden days. A sculpture depicting Vaali
worshipping Shiva can be seen in the Pillars located near the Theertham. Legend
of Vaali has been depicted in the Pillars of the Temple. Location : Near Perambalur Just
on the main road Trichy Chennai highway
Timings :: Morning 6.00 to 12 Noon
Evening 4.30 PM to 8.00 PM
Worth visiting this temple
for SRI VAALEESWARAR Blessings
S. RAMASAMY (Sriram)
PH : 98410 48152
E.Mail : sharuinsurance@gmail.com
Posted on 21/01/2022
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