| Description:
This Shivastalam is located near Villuppuram (enroute to Senji) on the banks of the
Pampa river, a branch of the Pennar river. This is the 21st of the 22
Tevara Stalams in the Nadu Naadu region of Tamilnadu. Legend has it that
Kamadhenu worshipped Shiva here. Bringi munivar is said to have become a Vanni tree
and is said to have been relieved of his predicament here. Rama & Sugreeva are said to
have taken a vow of eternal friendship in front of the Vattapparai here.
History: Inscriptions reveal that a grant for a Chola King had
provided for several blind people to learn the Tevaram hymns and sing them in traditional
tunes. Ramalinga Adigalar and Arunagirinathar have also sung of this shrine. This temple
was built originally by the Pallava rulers, while the Chola rulers made several
endowments, as seen in inscriptions from the days of Parantaka, Raja Raja Cholan and
Kulottunga Cholan.
The Temple: There are two prakarams in this temple which covers an
area of under three acres; there is an image of Achyuta Raya who is said to have effected
renovations here. Shiva and Parvati face each other here, in the Updesa formation, as in
very few other shrines. The Amman gopuram is about 80 ft in height.
Festivals: Two worship services are offered each day here. Pankuni
Uthiram and Skanda Sashti are the annual festivals celebrated here. |
