This is the last temple in the Panchaaranya yatra. We have to visit temple at night at 8 pm to complete the Panchaaranya yatra in a day. This is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. The temple is also about 1800 years old.
Moolavar (Main Deity): Vilwaranyeshwarar
Devi (Name of Consort): Soundarya-ambika
Kshetra Vruksha (Sacred tree): Bilva
Special Deity: Lord Natraja
Sacred Teertha: Agni and Ganga teertha
Time of darshan: evening 8 pm
This East facing temple has the Rajagopuram (main tower) of 75 feet in height with 5 tiers. Other Shrines found inside the main temple are that of
- Ganesh
- Valampuri (right sided trunk) Vinayaka
- Lord Muruga
- Aadivishwanath
- Gajamuktishwar
- Gajalakshmi
- Panchalinga
It is stated that Lord Brahma and Arjuna have worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. Lord Brahma worshiped here in order to get rid of Brahma hatya dosha.
Legend associated with the place:
When on a pilgrimage Triguna Sambandar (one of the Nayanmars) along with other devotees (followers) had reached the opposite bank of the river Vettaru where the temple is situated. The boatman had left the boat on the shore without paddles as the river was in swet. Sambandhar wanted to have darshan of Lord, on the other bank under any circumstances on the same day. He boarded the boat along with the followers and sang devotional hymns on Lord Shiva which acted as the paddle and helped him reach the temple on the other bank. He had the darshan of Lord on the same day and stayed back for the night in the temple.
Festivals:
- On the day next to the new moon day in Aippasi (Oct-Nov) the boat festival is celebrated.
- Chaitra Purnima is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai
- In the Tamil month of Karthigai, Pradosh is celebrated
- Special pujas are held on Monday in the Tamil month of Karthigai.
- Skanda shasti is celebrated in a big way
- Thaipusam (Pushya nakshatra in Tamil month of Tai) (Jan-Feb) and Navratri are the other major festivals.
All these 5 temples of Pancharanya can be visited in a day by residing at Swamimalai. Before starting the yatra, it is stated that one should visit the Shwetvinayaka temple which is very close to Swamimalai.
🙏🏻
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