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Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple

Chandramowleeswarar Temple, also known as Piraisoodiya Emperuman Temple or Vakrakali Temple, is a significant Shiva temple located in Thiruvakkarai, a village in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. This sacred site is the 30th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in the Thondai Nadu region and is situated on the banks of the Varaha River, also known as the Sangarabarani or Gingee River. The temple spans an area of 10 acres and holds immense historical and archaeological significance.

Timings

07.00 AM to 08.30 PM

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

The temple is located on the banks of the river Varaha and is believed to be over 2000 years old. According to the information displayed at the temple, it was originally constructed by King Aditya Chola. The present stone structure, including the Chandramowleeswarar shrine, was built during the reign of the Chola king Aditya I (870–907 CE). While the exact year of the temple's construction could not be determined from the inscriptions, the current form of the temple, particularly the stone edifice of the Chandramowleeswarar shrine, is attributed to the period of King Aditya I.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:


Legend of Vakrasuran



According to legend, there once was a Demon King named Vakrasuran, who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed rigorous penance here, and in response, Lord Shiva granted him the boon of immortality. Empowered by immortality, Vakrasuran began terrorizing the celestial gods (Devas), causing havoc in the heavens.


Lord Shiva's Intervention


The Devas, unable to withstand the atrocities of Vakrasuran, pleaded with Lord Shiva to save them. Lord Shiva, upon hearing their plea, instructed Lord Mahavishnu to defeat and kill Vakrasuran. A fierce battle ensued between Lord Vishnu and the demon.


The Blood of Vakrasuran


During the fight, as soon as Vakrasuran’s blood touched the ground, demons began emerging from it. To prevent this, Goddess Parvathi, in the form of Vakkra Kali, was sent to drink the blood before it could fall to the ground. Lord Vishnu used his divine weapon, the Sri Chakra, to finally kill Vakrasuran.


The Tragic Fate of Dhunmukhi


When Vakrasuran's sister, Dhunmukhi, arrived on the battlefield, she was pregnant. In a remarkable act, Goddess Parvathi took out the baby from Dhunmukhi’s womb and wore it as an earring. Afterward, she killed Dhunmukhi, and in the aftermath, stayed in the region in the form of Vakrakali.


Naming of the Place


As Vakrasuran had worshipped Lord Shiva at this location, the place became known as Vakkarai. Other names associated with this place include Kundalivanam, Dhu­krapuri, and Vakrapuripattinam.


Worship of Lord Shiva by Chandiran


It is also believed that the Moon God, Chandiran, worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place.


Legend of Vakrakali Amman


Lord Varadaraja Perumal destroyed the demon Vakrasura, and Vakrakali, a fierce form of Kali, destroyed his sister Dhunmukhi. Dhunmukhi, who was pregnant at the time of the attack, had her child removed from her womb by Vakrakali. Since killing a child is considered a sin, Vakrakali wore the child as a ring on her right ear. Due to her destruction of Dhunmukhi, Vakrakali is revered here in the temple.


Goddess Vakrakali's Temper and Acharya Sri Sankara's Intervention


Vakrakali, in her furious form, was calmed by Acharya Sri Sankara, who installed the Sri Chakra on her left leg, reducing her anger. Kali, as a deity associated with the serpent planets Rahu and Ketu, has a specific circumambulation rule. Devotees must circle the shrine four times clockwise and five times anti-clockwise to honor this cosmic connection.


Vakrakali Amman - Vakra Shanti Tiruthalam


This temple became widely known due to the grace of Mother Vakrakali Amman, and the place came to be called Vakra Shanti Tiruthalam. The idol of Vakrakali is sculpted with deep devotion and shares attributes with other famous manifestations of Kali, such as Patteeswaram Durga, Chidambaram Brahma Chamundeeswari, and Thillai Kali.


Temple Location and Structure


Traditionally, Kali temples are located at border areas, and here at Tiruvakkari, the shrine of Vakrakali is situated under the Rajagopuram of the main Shiva temple at the entrance.


Description of the Vakrakali Idol




The idol of Vakrakali is awe-inspiring, with striking features:


The head is adorned with flame-like hair.

A skull serves as her crown.

The child (Sishu) is worn as a ring on her right ear.

The goddess has eight hands, each holding a weapon:

Pasam (noose)

Discus

Sword

Skull of a wild animal

She wears a garland made of the heads of demons, crossing it over her body, with the upper sari ending on her right hand through her breasts.


The administration of the temple is typically managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department under the Government of Tamil Nadu, or it may also be managed by a local temple trust or mutt depending on the specific temple.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect Sacred Spaces: Maintain silence and reverence while in the temple.
  2. Follow Dress Code: Wear clean and modest clothing when entering the temple.
  3. Offer Prayers: Follow the rituals and offer prayers with devotion, as per the temple customs.
  4. Make Offerings: Bring offerings like flowers, fruits, or other items based on the tradition.
  5. Seek Guidance: If unsure about any ritual or procedure, ask the priests or temple staff for assistance.


  1. Avoid Distractions: Do not talk loudly, take photographs, or make noise in the temple premises.
  2. Do Not Enter Unclean: Do not enter the temple if you are unclean or have recently consumed non-vegetarian food.
  3. No Smoking or Eating: Avoid smoking or eating inside the temple grounds.
  4. Do Not Disturb Other Devotees: Be considerate and avoid disrupting others during prayers or rituals.
  5. No Unauthorized Offerings: Avoid bringing offerings that are not in line with the temple's practices.


Dress Code

Dress Code for Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear dhoti or veshti, preferably in white or light-colored fabric.
  2. Shirts: If wearing a shirt, it should be simple and modest. Avoid sleeveless or tight clothing.


Dress Code for Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear saree, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Avoid short or revealing outfits.
  2. Modesty: Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless or tight clothing.


How to reach

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BEST TIME TO VISIT:

The best season to visit the temple is during the winter months, from November to February.


By Air:

The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport, about 25 km away.


By Train:

Villupuram Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, about 20 km from the temple.


By Road:

The temple is located in Thiruvakkarai, and can be reached via road from Villupuram, which is well-connected by buses and taxis.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:


Varaha River 



The temple is situated on the banks of this river, which is a prominent geographical feature of the area.


Nearby Cities:



  1. Villupuram – The temple is approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Villupuram, which is one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu and an important administrative center.
  2. Pondicherry – The town of Thiruvakkarai is not far from Pondicherry (now Puducherry), which is about 30 km (19 miles) to the south of the temple.