Description
The Sri Virudhagirishwarar Shiva Temple is situated in Virudhachalamin the Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu. The main deity of the temple is lord Shiva and he is considered Swayambu or one that had appeared on its own accord. Swayambu idols are not created by man but they are said to have come into existence with the help of some spiritual power. The other deity in his temple is Vridhambigaithayar. The temple is said to be built more than a 1000 years ago.
History
Sundharar was an ancient saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He used to collect gold to feed his followers during the panguniuttiram thiruvizha and Lord Shiva himself offered 12000 gold coins to him. Afraid of thieves, Sundharar placed the coins on the banks of the Manimuthar River and collected them at the tank of this temple. But he had his own doubts about the value and purity of the gold. Lord Shiva keeping Lord Ganesha as a witness proved the worthiness of the gold. Hence the Vinayaka idol installed here is considered important and is called as Mattru Uraitha Vinayagar. It is also believed that during the Pralayam (Equivalent to Big bang of science) when the entire universe was destroyed, this temple alone stood ground and after the big bang was over Vibhashitu Muni re-constructed he temple. During the construction the Rishi gave Vanni leaves, as the wage for workers. The Manimuthar River that flows at the side of the temple is said to have some divine powers. When the ashes of the dead people are dissolved in this water, they are said to be converted into stones and stay in the dark depths of the water.
Importance/Significance
Lord Muruga while conducting a puja installed 28 Lingams in this place and worshipped them. They are still preserved in this temple in a separate shrine. Lord Muruga along with his consorts Devi Valliammal and Devi Devayani also dwell in this temple along with lord Vinayaka. Vridh means ancient or old and achallam means hill or mountain. As the hill where the temple is situated is considered to be one of the oldest hills the place is called as Virudhachallam. The temple is believed to provide mental peace and harmony. It also offers a disease free healthy life. Devi Durga is worshipped here for getting married soon and to solve problems arising out of marriage. Those who want a child also pray here to get the gift of child birth even after modern medicines could not give a solution. Sundays mark the day for Bairavar who is a protector of Lord Shiva. He is offered with 'Vada' a southern delicacy. Various Abhishekams with sacred ash, oils and other holy things like sandalwood paste, coconut water and panneer. There is also a special abhishgam performed to Goddess Durga Devi with turmeric. During the time devotees offer saris and other ornaments to the goddess.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Brahmostav is a 10 day festival that is conducted in the months of February / March when the Lord is taken out for a procession in a big and ancient Ther (Car). Pooram is celebrated in the month of July / August when a grand festival is celebrated that includes a wedding ceremony for Goddess Ambika.VaigasiVasanthaUtsavam is conducted in the month of May / June.KandhaSashti is celebrated in the month of October / November.
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