Valeeswarar of Ramagiri: A Hidden Gem in Chittoor’s Spiritual Landscape

Location Overview

Ramagiri Village, nestled near Picchatur in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, lies close to the Tamil Nadu border.
It’s about 58 km from Tirupati and 75 km from Chennai, accessible via Suruttappalli–Nagalapuram–Picchatur route.
The temple sits at the foot of a hill, with a serene natural spring and lush surroundings. A Subramanya Swamy Temple is located atop the hill.

Deities and Subshrines

Main Deity: Sri Valeeswarar – a slightly tilted Shiva Linga, believed to have been pulled by Hanuman’s tail.
Goddess: Sri Maragadhambikai – graceful and large idol in a separate shrine.
Primary Murthy: Sri Kala Bhairavar – known as Santhana Prapthi Bhairavar, worshipped by childless couples.
Unique Features:

Hanuman idol stands directly in front of Shiva, replacing the usual Nandi.
Nandi Theertham: A sacred pond fed by water flowing continuously from a Nandi’s mouth.
Subshrines include:

Kalika Matha, Ganesha (Gajamukha), Veerabhadra, Dakshinamurthy, Surya, Sapta Mata, Ayyappa, Anjaneya, Agastya, Chandramouleeswarar, Brahma, Vishnu, Shanmuga, Durga, and Appar.

History and Significance

Built in the 9th century CE by a Pallava king, later renovated by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
Represents the Isaana face of Lord Shiva, one of the Pancha Brahma Sthalams near Chennai.
The temple is not associated with Pradosham rituals, a rare exception among Shiva temples.
The architecture includes no Raja Gopuram or Dwajasthambham, enhancing its ancient charm.

Legends

As per Ramayana lore, Lord Rama instructed Hanuman to bring a Shiva Linga from Kashi for worship at Rameswaram.
On his return, Hanuman passed through Ramagiri and was tricked by Kala Bhairava, disguised as a boy.
Hanuman handed over the Linga temporarily to quench his thirst. Bhairava placed it on the ground, making it immovable.
Hanuman tried lifting it with his tail, causing the Linga to tilt—hence the name Valeeswarar (Vaal means tail).
In anger, Hanuman cursed the pond to become a hill—now the site of the Subramanya Swamy Temple above.

Architecture

Built in the 9th century CE by a Pallava king, later renovated by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
The temple lacks a Raja Gopuram and Dwajasthambham, giving it a serene, ancient charm.
Divided into two main sanctums:

Hanuman idol stands directly in front of Shiva, replacing the traditional Nandi.
Nandi Theertham: A sacred pond fed by water flowing year-round from a Nandi’s mouth.
Intricate carvings of Agastya, Veerabhadra, Gajamukha Ganapati, and Kalika Matha adorn the corridors.

Festivals & Rituals

Santhana Prapthi Bhairavar: Worshipped by childless couples.
Devotees offer oil lamps, red flowers, and Kadamba rice.
Ritual of offering a dog figurine (Bhairava’s vahana) after child birth is unique to this temple.

Beliefs

Worshipping Valeeswarar here is said to be equivalent to worshipping Kashi Vishwanath, as the Linga was brought from Kashi.
Bhairava grants child blessings, protection from Saturn’s influence, and moksha.
The Nandi Theertham is believed to cure ailments and purify karma.
Devotees believe that Hanuman’s tail marks are still visible on the tilted Linga.

Scriptural Reference

Recognized as a Vaippu Sthalam, sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar in his Thevaram hymns.
Referred to as Thirukkarikkarai in ancient texts.
Associated with Ramayana lore: Hanuman’s journey from Kashi to Rameswaram, and Bhairava’s divine intervention.
Represents the Isaana face of Lord Shiva, one of the Pancha Brahma Sthalams near Chennai.

Daily Timings: 8:00 AM–11:45 AM and 3:00 PM–5:45 PM

Getting Here

Distance: ~75 km
Route: Chennai → Tiruvallur → Uthukottai → Suruttapalli → Ramagiri
This scenic route passes through several temples including Suruttapalli Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple.

Tips

Best Time to Visit: November to February offers pleasant weather and clear views of the surrounding hills and Nandi Theertham.
Photography: Allowed in outer areas, but restricted inside sanctums—check with temple staff.
Local Customs: Begin darshan with Kala Bhairavar before proceeding to Valeeswarar and Maragathambikai shrines.
Nearby Temples: