Valishvarar Temple

Overview

The Valishvara Temple has shrines of Lords Lakshmi Narayana, Muruga,Sani Bhagwan and Vinayaka in the passage around the inner sanctum,called Prakara. The presiding deity Lord Valeeswara's idol is a Swayambhu one, ie, self-manifested; and faces west. Lord Dakshinamurthy's idol is accompanied with Saptha Kannikas instead of his disciples Sanaka, Sanathkumara, Sanatana and Sananthana.

About the Deity

Lord Shiva's idol is accompanied with Goddess Mother Perianayaki in this west facing temple. As Vali kidnapped the wife of his brother Sugriva, he worshipped Lord to cleanse his sin. Therefore, the Lord is praised as Valeeswara. Lord Veerabadra came here on Vrushab Vahan Nandhi. This Nandhi is placed outside the temple with a Kodimaram (flag post) nearby.

Legend/Story

Demon Mahishasura had been blessed that he would not be killed by a woman born from the womb of a mother. With the strength of this blessing, he began to harass and torture Devas. They approached and prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. The Lord asked Goddess Ambica to kill Mahishasura. Goddess Ambica created seven Sakthis from Her, namely; Goumari, Brahmi,Chamundi, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Vaarahi and Maheswari. They killed the demon Mahishasura and sought the blessing of Lord Shiva to cleanse them of the sin incurred by them for killing the demon. Lord Shiva asked them to go Bhooloka (Earth) and worship Him assuring that He would give them the relief at an appropriate time. He also sent Veerabadra for their security. Lord Shiva granted the relief and made them security deities for Shakti-Ambica in Shiva temples. Based on this story, the Saptha Kannikas act as directed by their Guru Lord Dakshinamurthy. This is a rare feature in this temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy is worshipped in this temple as Kanni Guru.

Festivals

Special pujas are performed for Veerabadra with Saptha Kannikas on Panchami days. Masi Mahashivrathri is celebrated with special pujas in February-March.

Significance

Usually, in Shiva temples, pujas are offered to Lord Dakshinamurthy only on Thursdays. But here, it is performed throughout the week. According to the scriptures, fate of the people is decided by Lord Brahma. He is the deity for Mother Brahmi. Those concerned about their fate, those seeking mental peace, and those seeking to attain the pinnacle of education, pray to Goddess Brahmmi on Sundays.Those seeking total salvation pray to Goddess Maheswari on Mondays.Those facing adverse aspects of planet Mars pray to Goddess Goumari on Tuesday. Lord Muruga is the deity for Mars and Goumari. Devotees pray to Goddess Vaishnavi on Saturdays for family prosperity and to Goddess Varahi on Wednesdays for relief from diseases. People pray to Goddess Indrani on Thursdays for relief from astrological adversities and to Goddess Chamundi on Fridays for removal of obstacles in wedding proposals. While worshipping these Saptha Kannikas for fulfilling their needs, they also offer nivedhanas to Lord Dakshinamurthy as these Kannikas act under the directions of Guru-Dakshinamurthy. On Panchami days-5th day of new moon or full moon days- special pujas are dedicated to Lord Veerabadra.

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