The Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple, located in Tiruchengode, holds the distinction of being the 262nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 4th Shiva Sthalam in Kongu Nadu. In ancient times, during the 6th to 7th centuries, the place was referred to as Thirukodimada Chengundrur (கொடிமாடச் செங்குன்றூர்). Today, it is known as Tiruchengode.
Timings
06.00 AM to 06.00 PM
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple at Tiruchengode is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams celebrated in the Thevaram hymns of the Saivite saints. Both Thirugnanasambandar, who lived in the 5th century, and Arunagirinathar composed hymns praising the temple. The ancient Tamil epic Silapathikaram refers to the location by the name 'Neduvelkundru'.
This temple is also renowned for the composition Arthanāreeshwaram by Muttuswami Dikshitar, set in the ragam Kumudakriya. Over the centuries, significant renovations were carried out during the reigns of the Chola, Pandya, and Nayak kings. Interestingly, a British colonial officer named Davis contributed to its restoration, and his image is depicted in the Mukkoottu Vinayagar shrine.
Today, the temple is under the maintenance and administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Puranic Significance :-
According to mythology, Adiseshan, the divine serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests, and Vayu, the Wind God, often quarreled over their superiority. In one such conflict, Adiseshan failed to hold Mount Meru against Vayu's powerful wind, causing three parts of the mountain to break off and fall to earth. This hill is believed to be one of those fragments, stained red by Adiseshan’s blood, which is why the place is called Sencode.
The hill itself is revered as a manifestation of the Lingam. A striking 7-foot-long, 4-foot-tall statue of Nandi is positioned on the western side of the hill, symbolically facing it. The presiding deity, Ardhanareeswarar, stands 6 feet tall, uniquely embodying the concept of unity: the right half is male and the left half is female, representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their combined form as "half-man, half-woman."
According to mythology, Sage Bhringi, during his visits to Mount Kailash, would transform into a small insect and worship Lord Shiva by circling around him, deliberately ignoring Ambal (Goddess Parvati). Annoyed by this, Ambal cursed the sage. To calm her, Lord Shiva explained that she was an inseparable part of him, leading to the divine manifestation of Ardhanareeswarar, symbolizing the unity of masculine and feminine energies in the cosmos.
Another legend also explains the androgynous form of the deity. It is believed that Ambal worshipped the sacred Maragatha Lingam (Emerald Lingam) here. Daily pooja is performed to this Lingam three times a day, and it is said that Ambal herself performs these rituals.
Do's and Don'ts
Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Respect ancient customs and fellow pilgrims while at the temple.
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
Dress Code
For men, the dress code is shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth.
For women, the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with a blouse, or chudidhar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.
These rules apply to foreigners as well.
Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
Pilgrims or visitors who do not follow the dress code will not be allowed inside the temple.
The best time to visit this temple is during the winter season, with the ideal months being from September to March.
How to reach :-
By Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore (around 130 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Thiruchengode.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Namakkal (35 km away). From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Thiruchengode.
By Road: Thiruchengode is well-connected by road. It is approximately 35 km from Namakkal. You can hire a taxi or use state transport buses to reach the temple.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
River : Kaveri - The temple is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, which is one of the most significant rivers in South India.
Nearby Cities:
Salem: Approximately 38 km away from Tiruchengode, Salem is a major city in Tamil Nadu.
Namakkal: Around 30 km away, Namakkal is another important city in the region.
Erode: About 55 km from Tiruchengode, Erode is well-known for its textile industries.
Coimbatore: Situated approximately 120 km away, Coimbatore is a major urban center in Tamil Nadu.
