Introduction
The Sri
Chandramouleeswar Temple, located in Thiruvakkarai village, Villupuram
district, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Paadal Petra Sthalam dedicated to
Lord Shiva. Built in the 10th century in Tamil style architecture, the
temple is known for its rare three‑faced Lingam and the unique shrine of
Vakrakali.
Deities & Shrines
- Lord Shiva:
Worshipped as Chandramouleeswar in a rare three‑faced Lingam form.
- Goddess Parvati:
Worshipped as Amirthambigai.
- Other shrines: Vinayakar, Murugan,
Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara, Varadaraja Perumal.
- Unique feature: In contrast to other
temples, the crow in Sani Bhagavan’s vahanam faces left.
Architecture
- 7‑tier Raja Gopuram
dominates the temple entrance.
- Ardha Mandapa & Mukha Mandapa
– pillared halls leading to the sanctum.
- Rare three‑faced Lingam of
Chandramouleeswarar, one of the very few in India.
Legends
- Vakrakali Legend:
Vishnu killed demon Vakrasura, while Kali destroyed his sister Dhunmuki.
Since Dhunmuki was pregnant, Kali wore the child as an earring, earning
the name Vakrakali.
- Adi Shankara
installed a Srichakra in her left leg to quell her anger, making
the site Vakra Shanti Tiruthalam.
- Unique: Unlike most Kali temples
located outside villages, Vakrakali’s shrine is inside this Shiva temple.
Festivals
- Chitrapournami
– Panguni (April–May).
- Float Festival
– Vaikasi (May–June).
- Kaanum Pongal
– Thai (January).
- Other festivals: Shivaratri,
Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vijayadasami, Karthigai Deepam.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening:
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Getting Here
- From Villupuram:
25 km (approx. 40 minutes by road).
- From Puducherry:
28 km (approx. 45 minutes by road).
- From Chennai:
170 km (approx. 4 hours by road).
- Nearest Railway Station:
Villupuram Junction (25 km).
- Nearest Airport:
Puducherry Airport (30 km) and Chennai International Airport (170 km).
Tips for Visitors
- Visit during Chitrapournami or
Vaikasi float festival for a vibrant spiritual experience.
- Don’t miss the rare three‑faced
Lingam of Lord Shiva – a unique darshan.
- Observe the Vakrakali shrine
inside the temple, a rare architectural and spiritual feature.
- Respect temple customs and dress
modestly.
- Early morning darshan offers peace
and less crowd.
- Combine your visit with nearby temples in Villupuram and Puducherry for a spiritual circuit.
Conclusion
The Sri
Chandramouleeswar Temple at Thiruvakkarai is a rare blend of legend,
architecture, and devotion. With its unique three‑faced Lingam, Vakrakali
shrine, and grand festivals, it stands as one of Tamil Nadu’s most spiritually
significant temples and a must‑visit destination for devotees and travelers
alike.