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Ariyathurai village is located off the Chennai – Kolkota highway and about 50 kms from Chennai. While going from Chennai, there is a junction called Thachur cross road. After crossing this junction, one has to go further about 2-3 kms to reach Kavarappettai where one Durga Devi Polytechnic is seen. Opposite to this polytechnic, one has to take left from the highway and go about 3 kms inside to reach this temple.
Ariyathurai has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which is said to be about 6000 years old. The main deity here is Sri Varamoortheeswarar and Goddess Sri Maragatha Valli. The name of the place Ariyathurai (அரியதுறை) itself signifies the inimitable value of the village. In Thamizh ‘Ariya’ means ‘rare’ and ‘Thurai’ means ‘a place on the river bank’.
Lord Shiva has 5 faces; Isaanam, Thathpurusham, Vaamadhevam, Sathyojaatham and Agoram. There are 5 Shiva temples (called Pancha Brahma Sthalams) near Chennai, representing each of the 5 faces of the Lord. Out of 5, this temple represents the 'Sathyojaatha' face of Lord Shiva.
The other 4 being Aarani Sri Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar (Vamadhevam), Ramagiri Sri Vaaleeswarar (Isaanam), Suruttuppalli Sri Pallikondeeswarar (Sathyojaatham) and Karungaali Sri Chinthaamaneeswarar (Agoram). Interestingly, these entire 5 temples lie on the banks of Brahmaranya (Arani) river, till the river merges into the ocean at Karungaali.
This temple is located on the banks of river Arani, which is also called as Brahmaaranya Theertham. According to the legend, this river is believed to be created by Lord Brahma. It is said that once when an ancient sage called Romasa Rishi wanted to perform a Yagnya, Lord Brahma churned the Arani trees to create fire. After the fire evolved from the friction, water started flowing due to churning, which ran through this place and came to be known as Brahmaaranya River.
It is believed that Romasa Rishi worshipped the Lord here for over 100 years. Lord Shiva appeared to Him and the Rishi prayed the Lord to take abode here in Ariyathurai and bless the world. Lord Shiva was pleased with the Rishi’s worship and took abode here.
There was another sage called Mukundha Rishi who also is said to have stayed in this place for many years and worshipped the Lord here. After few years of worship, Mukundha Rishi wanted to go on a pilgrimage to Kaasi (Varanasi) and prepared to leave Ariyathurai. He heard a holy voice of Lord Shiva asking him not to leave Ariyathurai and said that the Holy Ganges will flow on the banks of Brahmaaranya River itself for the Rishi to take the holy dip.
A small spring of water had originated on the banks of river Arani. Mukundha Rishi with much joy took holy dip in the Ganges and worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave dharshan to him as Bhairavar. He requested Lord Shiva that the spring of Ganges should flow in this village perennially so that people who are not able to make it to Kaasi can visit Ariyathurai to have bath in Ganges. The Lord agreed and the spring of Ganges is flowing...
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My family recently had the privilege of visiting Sri Ariyathurai Varamoortheeswarar Temple in Ariyathurai, Ariyathurai Temple Rd, Kilmudalambedu, Tamil Nadu 601206. We had a wonderful experience; the surroundings were well-maintained, and the Gurukal (temple priest) was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. He guided us through the temple's history, a story unfamiliar to many.
The temple, believed to be almost a 1000 years old, lacks a Navagraha sannadhi (a shrine dedicated to the nine celestial planets). Instead, it is associated with Romarishi and is one of the pancha brahma sthalams. Legend has it that Lord Brahma instructed Romar rishi to meditate here, leading to his divine encounter with Lord Shiva. Romar rishi temple is under the peepal tree, located to the left of the main entrance outside the temple.
According to the Gurukal, a fascinating incident involves a monkey being chased by a hunter, falling into the Ganga water, and circumambulating the peepul tree. The monkey, having witnessed the Pradhosha pooja here, was later reborn as Raja Kunjara Chola of Kanchipuram. He recalled his previous birth and constructed this temple.
Due to its ancient origins, the temple lacks Navagraha sannidhis, but instead features snake depictions on the temple's roof, serving as a parihara sthalam (remedial place) for Rahu Ketu dosha.
The hereditary priests, spanning three generations, reside in close proximity to the temple and can be contacted for assistance. Shanmuga Kurukkal and Saravana Kurukkal live right next to the temple.
Currently, the temple is undergoing renovation, and we learned from the Gurukal that they are planning for Kumbabhishekam later this year.
Directions: Avoid using Google Maps, as it may guide you to a river crossing, making it impassable. Please check the photo from google maps, it will lead you to...
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A must visit place for families.
Timings: The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
About Temple: Varamoortheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ariyathurai Village near Kavarapettai in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Varamoortheeswarar and Mother is called as Maragathavalli
By worshipping the Kaala Bairavar here, one can live without the fear of death and with extended life since Lord Shiva appeared as Kaala Bairavar. Also, the Kaala Bairavar protects people from the evil effects of others. Pradosham is considered very sacred sine a monkey got salvation after witnessing Pradosham here. Since Indra’s Brahmaharthi Dhosham got cleared off, this is considered a Dosha Parihara sthalam to clear off Doshams like Pithru Dhosham, Naga Dhosham and Past Birth Doshams.
Marriage prayers are answered since Lord Shiva appeared with his consort in marriage pose to King Chithrasenan. Due to the flow of Ganga water, the place is considered more sacred than Kasi. Goddess is present with her left leg in front meaning that she is going out to fight enemies. So, by worshipping her, she will make our obstacles vanish. Music, Pava Vimochana (Relief from Sin), any boon you wish, Vidhya (Education), Kala Sarpa Dosha Nivarthi.
Not to be missed:
Jeeva Samathi of Roma Rishi The carving of snakes and carving of Ovum & Sperm carved way before microscope technology was invented. Ganga Theertham No presence of Navagraha indicating that this temple is more than 1000 years of age Lord Shiva on the Entrance tower sports...
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