Atulya Nadheswarar Temple, Arakandanallur

Arakandanallur, Tamil Nadu

Nestled in the sacred surroundings of Arakandanallur, Atulya Nadheswarar Temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage site that draws worshippers from near and far. This temple is celebrated for its spiritual energy, captivating architecture, and the unwavering faith it inspires in all who visit. Generations of devotees have made their journey here, seeking divine grace and spiritual fulfilment. The temple grounds often come alive during festivals, with vibrant decorations, traditional music, and devotional activities that reflect the region’s rich culture. Even on quiet days, the gentle sounds of temple bells and the sight of flickering lamps create a deeply calming environment. For many, a visit to Atulya Nadheswarar Temple is not just a religious journey but also a soulful retreat that renews the heart and mind. This cherished shrine stands alongside many Popular temples in Tamil Nadu, celebrated for their devotion and heritage.

Atulya Nadheswarar Temple History and Significance

The original complex is believed to have been built by the Pallavas. Later, the Cholas expanded it. The present masonry structure was built during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. There are three rock-cut caves from the Pallava regime during the 10th century.

The current Draupadi Amman shrine is believed to have been a Murugan temple. There are inscriptions from many medieval and later Chola emperors. These include Rajaraja Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, and Rajendra Chola III.

There are also inscriptions from Pandya kings like Maravarman Sundara Pandyan. Contributions from the Vijayanagara Empire kings like Krishna Deva Raya are also found. In modern times, the temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

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Atulya Nadheswarar Temple Location Details

How to Reach Atulya Nadheswarar Temple

By Road:

Arakandanallur is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from Villupuram and nearby towns.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Villupuram Junction and Tiruvannamalai Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Arakandanallur.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Villupuram via connecting cities.

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Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

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Legends Beliefs

Legends and BeliefsAs per Hindu legend, Vishnu wanted to clear the sins caused by slaying Mahabali during the Vamana avatar. He prayed to Shiva at various temples, including this one. His sins were cleared while worshipping Shiva here.Another legend states that Sambandar, a 7th-century Saiva saint, visited the place and sang praises of Atulya Natheswarar. The temple was locked by Jain monks and was brought back to worship practices after Sambandar's visit.Sambandar planned to go to Tiruvannamalai but was stopped by a divine force. He set up Annamalaiyar as Lingam in this place and started worshipping. It is believed that Sambandar's footsteps are seen at the place, and the Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai can be viewed from this point.
Deities and Sub Deities

Deities and Sub-DeitiesThe main deity of the temple is Shiva, worshipped as Atulya Nadheswarar. He is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Azhagiya Ponnazhagi. The temple also has shrines for other deities like Nayanmars, Navagrahas, Bhairava, Murugan, and Durga.The two Nandis in the temple are called Pradosha Nandi and Adigara Nandi. The Saniswarar image is depicted with him having a foot over his vehicle mount crow. The Murugan image is depicted with a single head and six hands.
Offerings

OfferingsThe temple priests perform puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Atulya Nadheswarar and Azhagiya Ponnazhagi.There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham, and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day), and sathurthi.
Architecture

ArchitectureThe temple is situated in Arakandanallur, a town panchayat in Viluppuram district. It is located 2 km from Tirukoilur on the Tirukoilur - Viluppuram highway. The temple is built on a granite hill and covers an area of 2 acres.The main rajagopuram is on the West side with seven tiers. The temple tank, Indra Theertha, is located 1 km from the temple. The main shrine accommodates the image of Shiva known as Atulya Nadheswarar in the form of Lingam.There is a separate shrine for Azhagiya Ponnazhagi to the right of Atulya Nadheswarar's shrine. The first precinct on the four sides of the sanctum sanctorum is decorated with images of Nayanmars, Navagrahas, Bhairava, Murugan, and Durga.
Festivals

FestivalsThe temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The major festival is the Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June). Other festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Tai Poosam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram, and Vaikasi Visakam.The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 7:00 a.m., Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Arthajamam at 8:00 p.m.
Religious Practices

Religious PracticesThe temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Thirugnana Sambanthar. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.Sambandar refers to this place as Araiyinallur, which later became Arkandanallur. To ease the worship of Sambandar, the Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, tilted a little. The two Nandis in the temple are placed slightly off-axis to the sanctum to indicate the legend.

FAQ's

Where is the Atulya Nadheswarar Temple located?

The Atulya Nadheswarar Temple is located in Arakandanallur, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Villupuram district.

Which God is Shiva?

Shiva is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Atulya Nadheswarar Temple?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

How to reach Atulya Nadheswarar Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Villupuram Junction and Tiruvannamalai Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Arakandanallur. Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Villupuram via connecting cities.