The temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Pennai and is believed to have been constructed in the 7th century by the Pallava kings. Built on top of a rock (referred to as "Paarai" in Tamil), the temple’s location, enhanced by the nearby river, brings out its natural beauty. The two entrances to the temple add to its appeal — one through the main road and another along the scenic riverside.
In Tamil, “Arai (Paarai)” means rock, and “Ani” means beauty, symbolizing the lord as “Araiani Nathar,” or "The Lord beautifully seated on the rock." This place was originally known as "Arayaninallur," later evolving into its current name, Arakandanallur.
The original temple complex is believed to have been built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century CE, with subsequent expansions by the Cholas. The present masonry structure was constructed during the 16th century under the Vijayanagara Empire. Additionally, rock-cut caves dating back to the Pallava period (10th century) can be found on the site. The current Draupadi Amman shrine, which is part of the temple, was originally a Murugan temple before being dedicated to Draupadi.
PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:
- Lord Vishnu Worshipped Lord Shiva to Get Relief from the Sin Caused by Slaying Mahabali:
- As per legend, Lord Vishnu descended as Vamana to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been seized by Mahabali, the benevolent Asura King. Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada, was known for his generosity and austerities. However, he grew arrogant with the praise from his courtiers, believing himself to be all-powerful.
- Vamana, disguised as a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to Mahabali to request three paces of land. Against the warnings of his guru, Sukracharya, Mahabali granted the request. Vamana then revealed his true identity and expanded into a giant form, taking the first step from heaven to earth and the second from earth to the netherworld.
- Unable to fulfill his promise, Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Vamana stepped on it, granting Mahabali immortality due to his humility, and Lord Vishnu conceded sovereignty over Patala (the netherworld) to Mahabali. This event is said to have occurred at the Thirukovilur Ulagalantha Perumal Temple.
- In the aftermath, Lord Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva in various Shiva temples to absolve him of the sin incurred from slaying Mahabali. Eventually, Vishnu worshipped Shiva at this temple, where Lord Shiva blessed him and absolved him from his sins. The temple displays a sculpture of Lord Vishnu illustrating this legend.
Aram Kanda Nallur:
- The Tamil kings—the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas—expanded their territories by subduing independent Velir kings. The Velir King Pari, an unconquerable warrior, resisted the siege of his country, Parambu. After his eventual death due to treachery, his guardian, the poet Kabilar, took care of Pari's daughters, Angavai and Sangavai.
- Kabilar sought suitors for the princesses but was repeatedly let down due to the fear of the three crowned kingdoms. Eventually, the princesses were placed in the care of Andhanars, and Kabilar, grief-stricken by the loss of his friend, committed suicide. Later, the poet Avvaiyar successfully arranged marriages for the princesses to Deiveegan and Enadhi Kannan, sons of another Velir king, Malaiyaman.
- After their marriage, the couples worshipped Lord Shiva here, performed charity, and fed the poor. The place came to be known as Aram Kanda Nallur, which translates to "the place where charity was performed."
Lord Shiva Opened the Doors of the Temple for Sambandar:
In the 7th century, the Saiva saint Sambandar visited this temple, which was locked by Jains. Upon seeing the closed temple, Sambandar sang praises of Atulya Nadheswarar from outside. Miraculously, Lord Shiva appeared and opened the doors for Sambandar to have darshan.
It is also said that rocks and boulders were placed at the entrance by people of different faiths to deny him access. However, Sambandar's hymns caused the rocks to move, clearing the way for him to enter the temple. Additionally, the Nandis, Pradosha Nandhi and Adhikara Nandhi, moved away to allow Sambandar, an unhindered darshan of Lord Shiva. Today, these Nandis are seen facing opposite directions.
Annamalaiyar Lingam:
Saint Thirugnana Sambandar, on his way to Thiruvannamalai, encountered a divine force that interrupted his journey. He installed a Lingam in this temple, naming it Annamalaiyar Lingam, and worshipped Lord Arunachaleswarar (Annamalayar) from here. A foot imprint of Thirugnana Sambandar can be seen on a pedestal in the outer prakaram, where it is believed he worshipped Lord Arunachaleswarar. The Arunachaleswarar Hill can be seen from this spot.
Pandavas Stay in Arakandanallur:
During their exile, the Pandavas are said to have stayed in Arakandanallur for a few days. They stayed in caves near a water tank, which was believed to have been created by Bhima with his mace, earning the name Veeman Kulam (Bheema Kulam). Additionally, two water streams, Draupadi Theertham and Pandava Theertham, located on the hillock, are said to have been used by the Pandavas and Draupadi. The Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here to regain their kingdom.
Ramana Maharishi Meditated at This Temple:
Ramana Maharshi, a renowned Hindu sage, is believed to have meditated at this temple during his journey to Thiruvannamalai. The sage, born as Venkataraman Iyer, left home in 1896 and reached Thiruvannamalai, where he remained for the rest of his life. Before arriving at Thiruvannamalai, he meditated at this temple, and an idol and photo of Ramana Maharishi can be seen opposite to the Nalvar Shrine.
Lord Shiva Appeared as Annamalaiyar to Neelakanda Rishi:
Neelakanda Rishi, suffering from a curse, embarked on a pilgrimage to Thiruvannamalai. During his pilgrimage, he visited many Shiva temples and eventually arrived at Arakandanallur, where he saw the holy Arunachala mountain. He prayed to Lord Annamalaiyar to provide darshan to him in Arakandanallur itself. Lord Shiva, acceding to his request, appeared as Annamalaiyar before Neelakanda Rishi and relieved him from his curse.
Araiani Nallur:
The name Arakandanallur is derived from the Tamil words "Arai" (rock), "Ani" (beauty), and "Nathar" (Lord Shiva). It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared beautifully over the rock, leading to the name Araiani Nallur, which eventually evolved into Arakandanallur.
People Worshipped Lord Shiva Here:
The temple at Arakandanallur has been graced by numerous devotees, including the Pandavas, Saint Sambandar, Lord Vishnu, Ramana Maharishi, Rishi Prasanda, Poet Kabilar, and Rishi Neelakandar, all of whom worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place.
1. Locking of the Sanctum Sanctorum by the Jains (Samanars)
It is believed that the doors of the sanctum sanctorum of this temple were locked by the Jains (Samanars) to prevent entry. However, the door was miraculously opened by Lord Shiva himself when Thirugnanasambanthar sang his hymns.
2. Obstruction to Sambanthar’s Entry
To prevent Saint Thirugnanasambanthar from entering the temple, it is said that people from other faiths placed huge rocks and boulders at the entrance. The power of Sambanthar’s hymn is believed to have moved these rocks miraculously, allowing his entry.
3. Position of Nandhis for Thirugnanasambanthar
Both Pradosha Nandhi and Adhikara Nandhi are said to have leaned to the right and left sides respectively to facilitate easy darshan of the Lord for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. Even today, both Nandhis face opposite directions.
4. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s Worship of Lord Annamalaiyar
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar worshipped Lord Annamalaiyar of Thiruvannamalai from this temple itself. The Annamalaiyar hill can be seen from this temple. A stone imprint of Thirugnanasambanthar’s feet is located in the outer corridor, believed to be the place from where he worshipped Lord Annamalaiyar and rendered a Pathigam. Another version suggests that Thirugnanasambanthar was unable to visit Thiruvannamalai, so he installed a Lingam for Lord Annamalaiyar at this temple and worshipped him there.
5. Pandavas’ Visit During Exile
It is believed that the Pandavas stayed at Arankandanallur during their exile. The temple has five cave rooms under the main tower that were used by the Pandavas. A water tank near the tower is said to have been created by Bhima using his mace. After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas are believed to have visited this temple to offer their prayers.
6. Lord Vishnu’s Visit and Prayers
Lord Mahavishnu, in his Vamana avatar as Thiruvikrama, is believed to have destroyed King Mahabali at Thirukovilur, where he is worshipped as “Sri Ulagalandha Perumal”. To absolve himself from the sin of killing Mahabali, Lord Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva here, and Shiva blessed him. Goddess Sridevi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, also received blessings from Lord Shiva.
7. Worship by Rishis and Saints
Rishi Prasanda, poet Kabilar, and Rishi Neelakandar are believed to have worshipped the Lord of this temple.
8. Sri Ramana Maharishi’s Meditation at the Temple
As a young boy, before his journey to Thiruvannamalai, Sri Ramana Maharishi meditated at this temple. It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum door of this temple, which had been blocked by boulders, was opened by Lord Shiva for Thirugnanasambandar’s hymns.
9. Rock-Cut Cave and Pandavas’ Stay
There is a rock-cut 5-cell cave near the Rajagopuram, created during the Pallava period. Although the cave is empty, it is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile and worshipped Lord Shiva. After their victory in the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas visited the temple again to offer their prayers.
10. Temple's Historical and Mythological Significance
This temple is located on the southern bank of the Pennai River, and it is believed to have been constructed during the 7th century by the Pallava kings. The temple is built on top of a rock (Paarai), and the rock along with the nearby river enhances the beauty of the temple. The name "Araiani Nathar" comes from the Tamil words “Arai” (rock) and “Ani” (beauty), signifying the Lord seated beautifully on a rock.
11. The Name Change from Arayaninallur to Arakandanallur
The place was originally called “Arayaninallur,” and later changed to Arakandanallur. The temple is considered significant for people seeking to regain lost wealth, property, status, and more.
12. Mahavishnu’s Sins and Lord Shiva’s Blessings
To absolve himself from the sin of destroying King Mahabali, Lord Vishnu is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva in this temple. Lord Shiva granted him blessings and absolved him from his sins.
13. Temple’s Scenic Entrances
The temple has two scenic entrances: one from the main road and the other from the river-side. The temple's unique positioning near the river enhances its beauty.
14. Worship of Lord Shiva by the Pandavas
After the war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas returned to the temple to worship Lord Shiva, believing that their prayers here would restore their lost wealth and status.
