This sacred temple, facing east, features a three-tiered Rajagopuram and two corridors. A unique aspect of this temple is the divine marriage of Lord Vinayakar with Kamalai and Valli, which is believed to have taken place here.
Thiruvalithayam Temple is widely recogniSed as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru (Planet Jupiter). It is believed that worshipping here brings relief from the malefic effects of Jupiter and bestows blessings of wisdom and prosperity.
Let’s delve into the story of Kamalai and Vimalai
According to legend, Lord Brahma’s daughters, Kamalai and Vimalai, wished to marry Lord Shivan. Understanding the impossibility of this wish, Lord Brahma advised them to perform penance on the banks of the Paalaru River. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before them but explained that as he was already united with Goddess Parvathi, he could not fulfil their desire. Instead, he advised them to marry Lord Vinayakar. Following Lord Shiva’s guidance, they married Lord Vinayakar at this very temple, upon his victorious return after defeating the demon Gajamukasuran.
The curse of Sage Bharadwaj
This temple is also associated with the legend of Sage Bharadwaj, the father of Dronacharya from the Mahabharata. Sage Bharadwaj was once cursed to take the form of a blackbird (Valiyan) and wandered through various Shiva temples, seeking relief. When he reached Thiruvalithayam, he created a sacred water source, Bharadwaja Theertham, and worshipped Lord Shiva. As a result, his curse was lifted, and he regained his original form.
The temple derives its name from this event : "Thiru Valithayam" comes from "Valiyan" (blackbird in Tamil), and "Thiru" is an honorific prefix. Lord Shivan here is therefore worshipped as Sri Valithaya Nathar.
Thiruvalithayam Temple has been a place of reverence for various celestial beings and legendary figures, including Lord Indra, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Hanuman, Lava, Kusha, Manmathan, Sugreeva, Sage Agasthiar, Sage Bharadwaj, Yama, Vayu, Agni, Surya, and Chandra, all of whom are believed to have worshipped Lord Shivan here.
Additionally, Planet Jupiter (Lord Guru Bhagwan) is said to have performed penance here and attained absolution for his sins.
List of temple shrines and its features. The temple houses shrines for:
- Lord Tiruvalleeswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Jagathambikai (Parvati)
- Lord Vinayakar in his wedding form, along with his consorts Kamalai and Valli
- Other deities including Murugan, Somaskandar, Anjaneyar, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Brahma, Vishnu, Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, Surya, Chandra, Bhairavar, Navagraham, and Arunagirinathar
The temple corridors feature multiple Shivalingams, believed to have been worshipped by Lord Indra, Sage Bharadwaj, and Hanuman.
A special shrine for Lord Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter) is located in the outer corridor, attracting devotees seeking remedies for planetary afflictions.
Let’s look at the sacred circle of temples.
According to the Sthala Puranam, ELEVEN Shivan temples surround Thiruvalithayam Temple, forming a divine protective circle. These temples are:
1. Mylapore
2. Thiruvanmiyur
3. Thiruverkadu
4. Thiruvirkolam
5. Thiru Ilambayankottur
6. Thiruvooral
7. Thiruvalangadu
8. Thiruvenpakkam
9. Thirupachur
10. Thirumullaivoyal
11. Thiruvotriyur
What are the spiritual benefits and worship practices?
- Worshipping Lord Shiva here on full moon days is believed to grant spiritual liberation (moksha)
- As Lord Vinayakar is in his wedding form, devotees praying here for marriage prospects are believed to receive positive outcomes
- Couples facing marital issues visit this temple to seek harmony and blessings from the divine union of Vinayakar and his consorts.
A single visit to this temple is believed to remove sins and curses, leading devotees to a life of peace and fulfilment.
Watch the full video here :
Source : A Wandering Heritager , Maalaimalar, lightuptemples
Video / Image Credit : vi.jayalakshmi7027, Tripadvisor , Justdial