Ardhanareeswarar temple at Thiruchengode
Balasubramanian Natesan
ARDHANAREESWARAR THIRUCHENGODE
Ardhanareeswarar, one of the 64 manifestations of Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati, is enshrined in this revered hill temple of great significance, accessible by a motorable road. This temple is regarded as the 4th of the 7 Tevara Stalams in the Kongu Region of Tamilnadu.
Ancient walls, mandapams and sculptured pillars (now in a state of disrepair) add to the awe that this temple perpetuates, on top of the hill. The motorway and the renovated Rajagopuram are of recent origin. True to the name Nagagiri, there is a 60 ft long snake carved on the hill.
Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. A majestic image of Ardanareeswarar adorns the sanctum. There is a water spring at the foot of the image which is said to have been divinely manifested (Uli Padaa Uruvam). There are inscriptions here from the times of Parantaka Chola, Gangaikonda Chola, the Vijayanagar and Mysore Kings and the Nayaks.
The Tiruchengottuvelavar shrine (to Subramanyar) attracts a number of pilgrims.
Sambandar composed the Tiruneelakandapatikam here, to help rid fellow travellers of an affliction. Muthuswamy Deekshitar has sung of this shrine in Ardhanareeswaram in Kumudakriya.
Tiruchengode's major Festival was the Sengottuvelavar Car Festival known as Vaigasi Visakam(Celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi). The Festival was celebrated for over a week, with separate cars carrying sengottuvelavar, arthanareeswarar and many small lords. This festival is very famous among the nearby surrounding towns and villages.
Three worship services are offered each day. The late night worship service (Artha Jaama Pooja) is considered to be of importance here. New moon days are also considered to be special. The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi called vaikasi vishakam, when the festival image of Ardhanareeswarar is brought down from the hill. This festival is celebrated for 15 days.
