Thiruthangur Vellimalainathar Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

Location

Main Deities

Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Lord Shiva as Vellimalainathar (also known as Rajathagreeswarar).
Consort: Goddess Parvati as Perianayaki (Periyanayagi).

Temple Features

Significance

One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns).
Glorified by Tamil Saivite saint Tirugnanasambandar.
Listed as the 233rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 116th temple south of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.

History

The temple is estimated to be 1000–2000 years old, dating back to the Chola period.
The place was historically called Tiru Thengur.
It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in the hymns of Saint Tirugnanasambandar.

Legends

According to tradition, during the great Pralaya (cosmic flood), this site remained unaffected, protected by Vilwa trees.
Lord Shiva instructed Lord Vishnu to recreate the world. Vishnu created Brahma, who began creation.
The planets and serpent deities, amazed by the resilience of this place, installed lingams along the Agasthya River and performed penance for 1000 years.
Lord Shiva appeared, organized the cosmos into zones, and appointed each planet as guardian, granting them powers to reward or punish humans

Rituals

Daily Poojas: Conducted according to Saiva Agama traditions, typically including Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, and Ardhajamam.
Special Abhishekams: Performed for Lord Shiva (Vellimalainathar) and Goddess Perianayaki on auspicious days.
Navagraha Worship: Since the temple is linked to planetary penance, devotees often perform rituals to appease the Navagrahas here.
Pradosham: Observed twice a month, considered highly sacred for Shiva temples.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, marked by night-long prayers and abhishekams.
Margazhi Tiruvadhirai: Celebrated with special rituals for Lord Shiva.
Monthly Pradosham & Amavasya: Devotees gather for collective worship.
Annual Brahmotsavam: A grand festival with processions, music, and cultural events.
Other local observances include Aadi Pooram (for Goddess Perianayaki) and Karthigai Deepam.

Beliefs

The temple is believed to have survived the cosmic flood (Pralaya), symbolizing divine resilience.
Devotees believe worship here helps overcome planetary afflictions (Navagraha doshas), since the planets themselves performed penance at this site.
It is said that sincere prayers at this temple bring relief from karmic burdens and grant blessings of stability and prosperity.
The Sivagangai Theertham is considered sacred, with devotees believing it purifies sins.

Temple Hours

Getting Here

Nearest Town: Tiruvarur (about 15 km away).
By Road: Well-connected by buses and private vehicles from Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and nearby towns.
By Rail: Tiruvarur Railway Station is the closest major railhead.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~120 km away).

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings for peaceful darshan. Festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai are spiritually vibrant but crowded.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; modest clothing is expected.
Local Customs: Devotees often perform Navagraha-related rituals here, so plan extra time if you wish to participate.
Photography: Seek permission before taking photos, as many temples restrict photography inside sanctums.
Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Paadal Petra Sthalams in Tiruvarur district for a spiritual circuit.