Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple, Thiruvalithaayam

Thiruvalithaayam, Tamil Nadu

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple in Thiruvalithaayam is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Tamil Nadu, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple History and Significance

The original structure of the temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas. There are 14 inscriptions from the Chola empire, with the oldest dating back to Tribuvana Chakravarthy Vijayakanda Gopalan. The inscriptions denote the presiding deity as Thiruvalithamudaya Nayanar and the Ambal as Thiruveethi Nachiyar.

During the period of Rajaraja Chola III, a devotee named Chalukya Naranan Yathavarayan donated two houses and two gardens to the temple. Other inscriptions indicate gifts in the form of lamps, food, and gold to the temple by various devotees and ruling kings.

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Pooja Timing
Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Interesting Facts
Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Nearby Temples
Other Shiva Temples
Famous Temples from around

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Ushathkala Pooja	6:00 AM
Kala Sandhi Pooja	9:00 AM
Sayaraksha Pooja	6:00 PM
Ardhajama Pooja	8:30 PM

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Location Details

How to Reach Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple

By Road:

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

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Villivakkam Railway Station and Chennai Central Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Thiruvalithaayam.

By Air:

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

Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

Other Shiva Temples

Legends Beliefs

As per Hindu legend, sage Bharadwaja worshipped the presiding deity in the form of a sparrow named Valiyan. The place was hence called Valithayam, meaning the one worshipped by a sparrow. Padi historically is referred to the place used to store armory.The God here is worshipped by Rama, Bharadwaja, Hanuman, Surya, Chandra, Indra, and Valiyan. During medieval times, the place was the site for multiple wars, which raged the structure of the temple. As per Tamil mention, the resting place near a war field is called 'Padi', which led to the modern name of the place.As per another legend, Planet Jupiter was cursed by Menaka. On the advice of Markendeya, he reached this place, got a dip, and worshipped the presiding deity to get relief from the curse. Devotees pray to Jupiter to get remedies for their sins.
Deities and Sub Deities

The presiding deity of the temple is Tiruvalleswarar, housed in the sanctum. The consort is Jagadambika, located in a parallel shrine. There is a viewpoint from where both deities can be viewed. The temple has a separate shrine for Dakshinamurthy (Guru).
Offerings

Devotees offer various items such as lamps, food, and gold to the temple. These offerings are made to seek blessings and fulfil their vows. The temple also receives donations in the form of jewels and other valuable items.
Architecture

The temple is located in Padi, a neighbourhood in Chennai. The temple covers an area of close to an acre. It has three prakarams (closed precincts of a temple) and many mandapams (halls). The temple faces east and is entered via a three-tiered pyramidal rajagopuram (gateway tower).The presiding deity in the form of lingam is housed in the sanctum in Gajabrashta shape (sitting pose of an elephant). The attached hall, the ardhamandapa, measures the same width as the sanctum, while its length is twice the sanctum. The ardhamandapa projects towards the east. The Mukhamandapa has a square structure.There are five devakoshtas that cover the exterior walls of the sanctum. The images of Dakshinamurthy and Brahma are the only ones remaining out of the five. There is a separate shrine of Somaskanda in the temple. The temple has four bodies of water associated with it. The principal water tank is called Bharathwaja Theertham, while the other three are Brahma Theertham, Agasthiya Theertham, and Sheera Nadhi.
Festivals

The temple has four daily rituals at various times from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and five yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Chittirai is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple. Mahashivaratri during February–March is another significant festival.
Religious Practices

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 6:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m.Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Tiruvalleswarar and Jagadambika. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas read by priests, and prostration by worshipers in front of the temple mast.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.

FAQ's

Where is the Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple located?

The Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple is located in Thiruvalithaayam, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Chennai district.

Which God is Valleswarar (Shiva), Thaiyamai (Parvathi)?

Valleswarar (Shiva), Thaiyamai (Parvathi) is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple?

The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

How to reach Tiruvalithayam Tiruvallesvarar Temple from near City or Town?

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