Adhi Ratneswarar Temple: A Temple Where Sun God is Praised

Pratiksha Hemasagar Sahu

Adhi Ratneswarar Temple: A Temple Where Sun God is Praised

The Adhi Ratneswarar Temple is a significant Hindu temple with Shiva as the presiding deity. It is situated in the town of Tiruvadanai, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Adhi Ratneshwar Temple Source: Wikipedia

The Temple's Tower (gopuram), which is displayed on the top levels, is an example of Dravidian art. It was recently rebuilt thanks to the kind patronage of a few state-sponsored actors. The gopuram's exterior features a variety of lifelike artwork representing numerous stories from Hindu mythology. The oil paintings have detailed explanations of the occurrences they depict.

The majority of the interior work that is visible now was completed during the most recent phase of construction, particularly the pillars in the main corridor and the exteriors of numerous shrines. On a clear day, it is reported that the towering Raja Gopuram can be seen up to 15 kilometres away. The majority of these inscriptions discuss the many gifts made to the temple. The temple occupies a huge area. The Dhwajasthambam, Bali Peetham, and Nandi Mandapam are located after the Raja Gopuram. This is a representation of their Kalyana kolam, as Siva and Amman each have separate east-facing temples.

The prakaram of the temple is a meticulously tended garden of plants and herbs, containing species like vilvam, jamun, mango, vembu, tamarind, gooseberry, and many others, some of which are also unidentified. Many illnesses are thought to be prevented and treated by simply taking a leisurely stroll through the prakaram and breathing in the aromas of everything around you.

Heard of a temple which is said to be existing since all the four yugas? Well, you read it right; the Adhi Ratneshwar Temple located in Tiruvadanai, Tamil Nadu is said to be existing since the four yugas.

One of the several temple towns in the state, Thiruvadanai, is named after a particular variety's favourite grooves, clusters, or woodlands. The area is known as Vilvavanam because it was once thought to be covered in the Vilva forest.

According to legend, after worshipping Shiva at this temple, Vaaruni, the son of Varuna, the rain god, who had been cursed by a sage to have an elephant's body and a goat's head, was able to reclaim his original shape. It is thought that this legendary event served as the inspiration for the town's name. Tiruvadanai is the name of the location; it is pronounced Tiru-vaa-daa-nai. It combines the words Tiru and Aadu-Aanai, which respectively mean ‘goat’ and ‘elephant.’

Another legend claims that the Sun God visited this location and worshipped a blue diamond representation of Shiva. As a result, this is a Shiva temple that worships the Sun God. Adhi Ratneswarar is the name of the Lord, who, according to legend, was worshipped by the Sun, who placed him on a stage made of sapphire jewels. It is also reported that Sage Brighu offered adoration to the Lord here.

The architecture of the temple, as well as its total construction, went through numerous stages of development. The structure of the temple was first constructed during the Pandya era and featured a five-foot-tall wall and a three-tier raja gopuram. The existing nine-tier Raja Gopuram with a height of 40 m was later constructed by the Nagarathar people.

Devotees ask Lord Adhi Ratneswarar for protection from the negative consequences of their previous sins. For the blessing of children, special Sukhra (Venus' planet) homas are conducted on mothers. To perform the therapeutic religious ceremonies, people from Tiruvannamalai and Vaitheeshwaran Koil travel to this temple.

Despite all of these myths and superstitions, pilgrims still come here for their main event. When the festivals are on, people from all across the nation come here as well. For those who enjoy travel and the arts, this temple is truly amazing.