The Temple of an Invisible Mountain

The Virudhagiriswarar Temple, located in the town of Virudhachalam in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a renowned Hindu temple. It is dedicated to the presiding deity Virudhagiriswarar, who is revered in Tevaram, a collection of hymns composed by the Nayanmars, Tamil saint poets. The temple is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam and has bestowed its name upon the town of Virudhachalam.

Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi By anonymous - https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YAA002379/Queen-Sembiyan-Mahadevi-as-the-Goddess-Parvati?t=1&q=South+Asian+%26+Himalayan+Art&n=348, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129857609

Commissioned by Sembiyan Mahadevi, a powerful queen of the Chola Empire, the Virudhagireeswarar Temple in Virudhachalam is part of a series of temples built along the banks of the Kaveri River. It boasts several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. Virudhachalam, which translates to "ancient hill" in Tamil, was initially known as Mudhu Kundram during the time of Saivite Saints Appar, Gnanasambandhar, and Sundarar.

According to an interesting legend, when Brahma desired to create the earth, he sought Lord Shiva's assistance. After Brahma prayed to Him, Lord Shiva manifested as a mountain, but Brahma unknowingly created several other mountains. Lord Shiva revealed the truth to Brahma and created the earth with the combined elements of flesh and water. The original mountain of Lord Shiva came to be known as Pazhamalai, or the old mountain. It is believed that a part of this ancient mountain, in the form of a Shiva Linga, emerged above the riverbed of Cuddalore near Vayalur, approximately four kilometres north of Virudhachalam. Textual mentions associated with the temple include stories of Sage Vibasithu's renovation, the miraculous transformation of Vanni leaves into coins, and Saint Sundarar's encounter with Lord Shiva.

Besides its religious and cultural significance, the Virudhagireeswarar Temple also serves as a centre for community welfare activities. The temple administration engages in charitable initiatives, including providing food, education, and healthcare services to the underprivileged sections of society.

An important centre of the synthesis of history, politics, faith, worship, love, kindness, and harmony, the Virudhagireeswarar Temple is a testament to the rich heritage and devotion of the people. It is a sacred place where the divine presence of Lord Shiva and the blessings of the various deities can be experienced, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

The Kailasa parakaram is situated beyond the entrance, and there is a platform known as the deepa aradhana mandapa. Following that is the Rishaba mandapa. Towards the southern side is the Vibasithu Munivar mandapam, where the Utsava murtis (procession deities) are brought during processions. It is believed that Vibasithu muni worships them. On the eastern side of the mandapa, you will find the Agni Theertham and the discourse mandapa. The Sthala Vinayagar (Ganesha) shrine is slightly below ground level, and steps are provided to reach the sanctum. Nandhavanam surrounds the Chakra Theertham, created by Maha Vishnu. In the northeast corner, there are 28 Shiva Linga agama shrines believed to have been installed by Lord Muruga and worshipped.

The temple's architecture showcases the artistic brilliance of the Chola period, with high walls, five gopurams (towered gateways), and a mandapam (hall) carved like a chariot, along with other intricate carvings and sculptures. The five-tiered Rajagopuram (main gateway tower) stands majestically at the entrance, adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. Inside the temple, pillared halls and corridors display exquisite artwork. The chains of the temple car were donated by Charles Hyde, the District Collector of the then South Arcot district, in 1813.

The temple holds great religious significance, with multiple aspects linked to the number five, such as the presence of five deities, the praise of the Lord by five names, the mention of five Vinayakas (Ganesha), the appearance of five towers and prakaras (enclosures), and the existence of five Kodimarams (flag posts) with their respective Nandis (bull statues). It plays a vital role in the spiritual lives of devotees, offering them the assurance of salvation through various means. Devotees believe that visiting and worshipping this temple can bring blessings, fulfil their desires, and lead to spiritual liberation. It is believed that if someone dies here, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi chant the Shivaya Nama in their ears, granting salvation.

Following a strict daily ritual schedule, the temple performs six poojas (worship ceremonies) performed by the priests. These rituals involve offering flowers, fruits, incense, and sacred chants to the deities. Three major festivals are celebrated yearly, the most prominent being the Masi Magam festival, also known as Brahmotsavam. This festival spans several days and attracts a large number of devotees. A grand procession of the deities on various vahanas (divine vehicles) is carried through the streets surrounding the temple.

The temple complex consists of several notable features. The main deity, Virudhagiriswarar, is a Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) in the sanctum. The linga is believed to have emerged from the riverbed. The presiding deity is accompanied by his consort, Vandar Kuzhali Amman, who is depicted in a separate shrine within the temple.

Gopuram of the temple By Shashwath T.R. - IMG_9832_v1.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15433939

The eastern side of the temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63369757

The Legend of the Temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63369730

A temple adjoined to the main temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63369749

A view of the temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63369744

Corridors of the temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63369758