| Tiruchengode திருச்செங்கோடு |
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Tiruchengode
திருச்செங்கோடு |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Name | |
| Other names: | Chengodu, Chemmalai, Nagamalai, Nandhimalai |
| Proper name: | Tiruchengode |
| Location | |
| Country: | India |
| State: | Tamil Nadu |
| District: | Namakkal |
| Location: | Tiruchengode |
| Elevation: | 6,198.12 m (20,335 ft) |
| Temple Details | |
| Primary Deity: | Arthanareeswarar (Shiva) |
| Temple Tank: | Ammayyappar Theertham |
| Poets: | Sambandar Ilango Adigal Arunagirinathar Birungi Munivar Kaviraja Pandithar |
| Important festivals: | Vaikasi Visagam |
| Architecture and culture | |
| Architectural styles: | Dravidian architecture |
| History | |
| Website: | http://www.arthanareeswarar.com |
Thiru Kodimaada Chenkundrur(Tamil: திருக்கொடிமாடச்செங்குன்றூர்) (now referred Tiruchengode) is an ancient Hindu Temple known for its unique manifestation of Half Male Half Female Lord Arthanaareewarar (Shiva). The temple is situated on a Hill which is 2000 ft above mean sea level which could be reached either by road or climbing up 1206 steps. It is located in the town of Tiruchengode in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu which is 350 km southwest of Chennai and 120 km northeast of Coimbatore.
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Once Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Indra and sage Birungi went to Kailash to worship Lord Shiva. They were directed towards Lord Shiva by his Vahana, Nandhi. Everyone first had a darshan of Lord Parvathi and then proceeded to Lord Shiva. But, Sage Birungi directly marched to Lord Shiva. Parvathi Devi, annoyed by his act, sucked the flesh from the Sage's body to stop him proceeding, but the sage forwarded. Lord Shiva recognized this drama of Parvathi and blessed Birungi with a third leg. After the departure of the Sage, Lord Parvathi appeased Lord Shiva about her penance. After Lord Shiva's approval, Parvathi Devi along with her crew went to a hilltop and performed the same. As a result of this penance, she demanded a will for getting a portion for her in Lord Shiva's sacred body thus granting the devotees for a integrated worship, which was granted by Lord Shiva. This led to the manifestation of half men and half women depiction Arthanaareswarar. Thus Lord Parvathi took up the left side and rest right by Lord Shiva. This signifies the creation of this manifestation.[1]
It is also believed that long ago there held a battle between Adiseshan and Vayu to prove their mighty powers. This resulted in devastating disasters and the then sages gave an idea to them. Accordingly, Adiseshan has to cling to Mount Meru with his hood and Vayu has to release him by his valour. But the former succeeded. Vayu, out of anger, stopped the air as a result all living beings fainted. Sages convinced Vayu to release his hold. By the sudden release of air by Vayu lead the top of the mountain with the head of Adisesha, thrown into earth on three places with flesh and blood and making it red and thus the name Chengodu. There is a 60 ft long snake carved on the hill, and hence the name as Nagamalai.[2]
On top of the hill, the main Gopuram (Tower) with 5 tiers is on the north side of the hill. The compound wall of the temple is 260 feet length east to west and 170 feet length north to south. The main shrine is for Lord Shiva known as Maathoru Paagar and the Ambal his consort is known Baagampiriyaalammai. The image of the main deity is 6 feet in height, the right half of the image as male and left half of the image as female. Hence the main deity is also known as Ardhanareeswarar. Subramanya known as Chengottu Velar is located on a flat surface atop the hill. This Chengottu Velar shrine is on the back side of the main sanctum sanctorum. The Theertham in this temple is called Sangu Theertham. Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. There is a water spring at the foot of the image, which is said to have been divinely manifested “Uli Padaa Uruvam”. There are many mandapams on the way for people who alight steps to take rest. The sculptures found in the mandapam in front of the Chengottu Velar shrine are of intricate designs and workmanship.
Sambandar composed the Tiruneelakandapathigam here, to help rid fellow travellers of an affliction. Saint Arunagirinathar has also composed Thirupugazh on Lord Subramanya here. Muthuswamy Deekshitar has sung of this shrine in Ardhanareeswaram in Kumudakriya.
“Artha Jaama Pooja” the late night worship service is considered to be of importance in this shetram. New moon days are also considered to be special events. The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
This Siva temple is in Tiruchengode in the vicinity of Erode and Salem in Kongunaadu. The hill is 1900 feet height from the mean sea level. A motorable ghat road is also available to go to the top of the hill and one can reach the temple by bus or car. Another way to reach the temple is to alight 1200 steps to the top of the hill.
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