What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Vadaranyeswarar Temple?

High medieval · Hindu · India

Vadaranyeswarar Temple

திருவாலங்காடு வடாரண்யேசுவரர் கோயில்

Thiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu · 13.1303°, 79.7746°

Shiva (Vadaranyeswarar), with the goddess VandarkuzhaliChola—Paadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

1100 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

12th c. (Chola)

Chola

History & significance

A Chola-period Shiva temple at Thiruvalangadu and one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. It is the Ratna Sabha or Gem Hall, one of the Pancha Sabhai where Shiva is said to have danced.

Sthala katha — the legend

Karaikkal Ammaiyar is said to have approached the shrine walking on her head, thinking it a sin to tread there with her feet, and there witnessed the dance of Shiva and Parvati.

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