Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple, also known as Virinchipuram Raththuna Nathar Temple was built in the 13th century by Chola Kings.
The temple is situated in Virinjipuram, a city in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu on the southern bank of the Palar River.
This is a worship place of Lord Shiva where devotees come to seek blessings.
The temple’s detailed artistic stonework walls and Rajagopurams and stunning sculptures make it a unique place of visit.
The other name of this temple is “Baskara Kshetram”, where the Sun God is said to worship the shiva lingam when its rays fall on it in the month of Panguni.
This is a monument of national importance preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI).
History and Myths
Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple was built long ago, during the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s ruling period.
It is strongly connected to both history and ancient myths. The main holy space of this temple was built by (said to be) Raja Raja Chola, Sambara Rayan, and the Viceroy of Kulothunga Chola.
Nandhi Vikrama Pallava, Rajendra Chola, Paranthaha Chola, Kobarakesari Varman, and Vijayanagara kings (Narayana Sambuvarayar, Achutharayar, Devarayar) also contributed to building the temple.
In ancient times, the Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple was known as “Naimi Charayanam”, where the sages used to gather for spiritual talks and meditation.
According to legend, this temple became significant when the Lord Shiva as Raththuna Nathar appeared with Goddess Gauri(Maragathambihai), an aspect of mother Parvathi reunited after a separation.
Uniqueness and Heritage of the Temple
The temple is famous for its tall Raja Gopurams, which we can see when we first step into the temple.
The complex Artha Mandapam is furnished with detailed amazing sculptures and mythological scenes that are connected with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.
Swayambu Lingam or natural Shiva Lingam also known as Marakakabandeeswarar, the heart of the temple, is considered to be 1300 years old, promising and powerful in Vastu Shastra due to alignment towards northeast. It holds great spiritual significance.
The miracle palm tree, Sthala Vruksha of the temple which is in the inner corridor, produces fruits in black in a year and white in following year. This natural wonder makes Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple more unique.
Significance of Holy Simhakkulam
There is a Simmakkulam (Simha Theertha) or holy water tank, which is structured as a well with a wide open mouth and stairs which is situated within the site.
There is a belief that bathing in Simmakkulam is a way of purifying one’s body and soul.
Simhakula Niradal is a ritual regarded by women who are seeking to get pregnant. As per the beliefs, women bathing in Simhakula or the holy water tank and performing specific rituals will get the ability to conceive better.
Besides, there is a Bijachara Yantra, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which is a geometric symbol used in rituals to focus and increase spiritual energy.
Story of the Legend Shiva Sarman
Legend Shiva Sarman is a significant tale connected to Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple.
Shiva Sarman was a religious young man born into a poor family with an unshakable faith in Lord Shiva.
He faced a lot of hard days in his life, but his devotion to Lord Shiva kept him determined. He would regularly visit the temple, pray to Lord Shiva, his faith never weakened.
For his strong determination and devotion, One day Lord Shiva appeared, blessed him and relieved all his hardships.
The story of this legend increased the temple’s reputation as a holy space where devotees started to believe or hope that their difficulties will come to an end through the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Cultural significance and Architectural features
Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple is a fusion of cultural heritage and architectural excellence dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple symbolises Dravidian architecture, defined by towering gopurams, pillared halls, and stunning sculptures.
The major festivals here celebrated are Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and Thirukalyanam, when the temple stays alive with music, dance, and rituals.
This temple is an important place for devotees of Lord Shiva, where people from all over India come to get blessings and take part in holy rituals.
Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple is more than just a worship place, it is a centre for cultural activities like classical dance, music, etc.
Also the peacefulness around the temple makes it special for both spiritual and cultural experiences.
Festivals and Pujas
The temple conducts daily pujas, and special ones on important days like Pradosham and Shivaratri.
These rituals are the central part for the temple’s religious activities and offer prayers and blessings for all who visit the temple.
This divine place turns into a spiritual celebration spot and is filled with joy and devotion during the festivals like Vaikasi Vishakam, and Thai Amavasai.
How to Visit Virinchipuram Temple
Don’t know how to reach this holy place?
The temple is just 12 Km from Vellore city.
You can easily reach by taking a bus from nearby towns like Ambur, Gudiyatham, and Satuwalai.
And you can use other means of transport if you are close. From Sedhuvalai junction, it is just 1 km to this temple.
If you want to know the exact distance:
- Chennai (Adayar) to Vellore bypass: 142 km
- Vellore Bypass to Sedhuvalai junction: 12 km
- Sedhuvalai junction to temple: 1 km
The nearest railway station is Vellore Katpadi railway station, where you can reach the temple in just 30 minutes by car.
If you are planning for a bus trip, you have plenty of alternatives to choose from, as Vellore City is well connected by inter-state buses.
By air, it’s about 7 km from the airport, and you can reach the destination in just 15 minutes by taxi.
When to Visit?
The perfect time to visit Virinchipuram temple is during early mornings and evenings, when you can participate in daily pujas and feel the peace from the surrounding atmosphere.
If you want to experience the real spiritually live atmosphere and cultural traditions, you should visit during Vaikasi Vishakam, and Thai Amavasai festivals.
In March, the sun’s rays directly fall on the idol of the deity, Margabandeeswarar, this is when the festivals Theerthavari and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated.
In December, the ten days of Navaratri are also celebrated, where everyone forgets themselves and immerses in devotion.
If you visit the temple in these months, you can feel the deity, lord Shiva, and feel peace inside you.
Conclusion
The Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple is a significant part of the state’s spiritual and cultural history.
Its architecture, religious meaning, lively festivals, the sun rays on deity and miracle palm tree, make the place special and unique.
Exploring this temple will allow you to experience the peaceful atmosphere.
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