Valampura Nathar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Nagapattinam, and its salient features more than anything else have contributed to the glory of the Cholamandalam.

About the Temple

Legend goes that when Lord Vishnu took up a penance on Lord Shiva, He left His consort Mahalakshmi as the companion of Ambica. He got a club and the discus as reward for His penance. He also worshipped Ambica and received the conch and Padma-Lotus, according to the Sthala Purana-history of the land. Sage Heranda, after a dip in Cauvery, circumambulated the shrine – Walking clockwise. Hence the place is named Valampuram. Valam Varudhal-circumambulating. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Saint Tirunavukkarasar in this place during his pilgrimage along with saint Tirugnanasambandar.There are two hollows on the Shivalinga.Only perfumed oil and punugu a perfumed paste are applied on the Lord. During abishek a funnel-Kuvalai is placed on the Linga.anajayan, king of Magadha instructed his son that his Asthi-ashes should be immersed at a place where it turns into a flower. To fulfill his father’s wish, after his death, the son wandered to sacred places. The ashes turned into a flower when he reached this place. He dissolved the ashes here. Hence, the placed is considered as holy as Kasi.Daksha and his wife performed penance here to have Dakshayani as their daughter. Lord Bikshadana in the temple is very handsome and is praised as Arthanareeswara Bikshadana.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Vadu Vagir Kanni. His consort is known as Padmanayaki.

Legend and Stories

The story goes that the King of Kasi wanted to test the fidelity of his queen. While camping in forests for hunting, he asked his minister to inform his wife that he was killed by a tiger during hunting. Hearing the news, the queen instantly fell dead. For causing the death of a chaste wife by false information, the king was possessed by evil dosha-Brahmmahati dosha. The king consulted many pundits for relief. He was advised to feed 1000 Brahmins each day at this place-Tiruvalampuram. One day, a voice said that the king would be relieved of the sin when the bell of the temple rang that never rang before. Feeding continued.One day, Pattinathar came to this temple and asked the people in the kitchen to give him food which they refused. Pattinathar, took the Kanji (the extra water flowing out while boiling the rice) with his two hands and drank it. The bell began to ring. Everyone was surprised to hear the bell ringing even before the feeding began. They saw Pattinathar smiling there. The spirit on the king left immediately. This event is celebrated as a festival even now.

Festivals

Bikshadanar festival on Bharani star day in Thai-January-February; Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Karthikai Mondays in November-December; Vinayaka Chaturthi; Aadi Pooram in July-August; New Moon Days in Thai-January-February, Aadi-July-August and Mahalaya in Purattasi-September-October and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Those seeking child boon, facing skin problems, doshas caused by women, obstacles in wedding proposals and adverse aspects of serpent planets pray in the temple for relief. Realizing their wishes, devotees ring the temple bell and feed the poor.

Nearby Place To Visit

Kayaroganeswarar Temple

Thanthondreeswarar Temple

Neelakandeswarar Temple

Pallavaneswarar Temple

Aranyeswarar Temple

Naganathar Temple

Accessibility

Melaperumpallam is 1.5 km far south of Satrash bus stop from Poombuhar (5 km) on the Mayiladuthurai road. The closest railways are situated in Sirkali, and the closest airport is located in Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Valampurinathar Temple,
Melaperumpallam,
Thiruvalampuram,
Nagapattinam Dist.