Thiruvalangadu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thiruvalangadu
Location
Country:	India
State:	Tamil Nadu
Location:	Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinates:	13°7′48″N 79°46′30″E / 13.13000°N 79.77500°E / 13.13000; 79.77500
Architecture and culture
Architectural styles:	Dravidian architecture

Thiruvalangadu is a village located in the western part of Chennai, India. It's a special place known for its old temples and history. You can reach it easily by train on the Chennai-Arakkonam route. It's also accessible by road, just a short drive from the main highway.

The famous Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple is about 5 kilometers from the railway station. Another important temple, Sri Tazhuvikuzhandheswarar Temple, is also nearby. This village is also known as the birthplace of a great saint named Pattinathar.

The Ancient Temple of Thiruvalangadu

The main temple in Thiruvalangadu is the Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple. It was built by the Chola kings around the 12th century CE. However, some writings suggest parts of it might be even older, from the 5th century CE. This temple is very important to followers of Lord Shiva.

A Cosmic Dance Hall

This temple is one of the five special places where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his amazing cosmic dance. These places are called "Pancha Sabhai," which means "five halls of dance." Thiruvalangadu's hall is known as "Ratna Sabai," or the "Jewel Hall."

Legend says that during one of Lord Shiva's dances, jewels from his anklets fell to Earth. These jewels landed in five different spots, and Thiruvalangadu was one of them. This makes the temple a very sacred site.

Important Deities and Legends

The main god in the temple is "Vadaranyeswarar," who is Lord Shiva. His consort, or wife, is "Vandarkuzhali Amman." The temple also has a very old and large banyan tree behind the main shrine. This tree is considered sacred.

A famous story connected to this temple involves a great saint named Karaikkal Ammeiyar. Lord Shiva asked her to walk all the way to Mount Kailash, a holy mountain, on her head. He wanted her to be there to witness his cosmic dance forever.

Temple Design and Festivals

The temple shows off the classic Dravidian architecture style, which was common during the Chola period. It's built like a typical Shiva temple. The temple is special because it's located in what was once a forest of banyan trees. There's also a large pond or tank near the temple.

Two major festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. These are Shivraathri, which happens in the month of Makara, and Thiruvadirai, celebrated in Dhanur.

Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal: Shiva's Dance Halls

These are the five special temples where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his amazing Cosmic Dance. Each hall has a unique name and is linked to a different element or material.