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Vallabeswarar Temple

The Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple in Thirukoodalaiyathoor, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped as Narthana Vallabeswarar in the form of a lingam. His consort, Parvati, is revered as Gnanasakthi and Parasakthi. Recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, the temple is praised in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, composed by the Nayanars. The temple spans half an acre and features a three-tiered gopuram as its entrance. Enclosed within large rectangular granite walls, the complex includes multiple shrines, with the main sanctuaries dedicated to Narthana Vallabeswarar and his consorts being the most significant.

Timings

The temple is open for darshan and rituals from 07:00 am to 12:00 noon and 04:30 pm to 08:00 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

A Chola king, tormented by Brahmmahati dosha (sin of murder) after killing his wife due to unfounded suspicion, wandered aimlessly. One day, he saw a diseased dog fall into a river and emerge healthy. Following the dog’s example, the king bathed in the river, was relieved of his sin, and regained his kingdom. Grateful, he built a temple on the confluence of the Manimutharu and Vellaru rivers, naming the place Tiru Koodalai Attrur. Over time, the temple fell into ruin, and the idols were lost. Later, the Mother Goddess appeared in a priest’s dream, revealing her presence in the river. The idols were recovered, and the present temple was built.


Administration History : 



The temple is currently under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of the Tamil Nadu Government. Historically, it was patronized by the Cholas and Nayaks, with restoration efforts made during the Vijayanagara Nayak period. The temple continues to be maintained and renovated, with the Kumbhabhishekam planned during 2013.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Sanctity: Maintain silence and reverence inside the temple. It is a sacred space for worship and contemplation.
  2. Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate clothing when visiting the temple, covering shoulders and legs as a sign of respect for the sacred environment.
  3. Perform Rituals Properly: Follow the proper procedures when participating in rituals or pujas, either as an observer or a participant. If unsure, seek guidance from the temple priests.
  4. Contribute to the Temple: Offer donations, support temple festivals, or participate in temple activities as a way of giving back to the community and maintaining the temple.
  5. Respect Temple Rules: Follow any rules or instructions provided by the temple authorities for safety and religious reasons, including maintaining cleanliness and orderliness.
  6. Take Care of the Surroundings: Keep the temple premises clean. Avoid littering and dispose of any waste in designated areas.
  7. Take Photos Respectfully: If photography is allowed, take photos respectfully and without disturbing others who are worshiping.
  8. Help Preserve the Temple: Participate in temple preservation initiatives, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
  1. Don’t Disturb Others: Avoid speaking loudly or engaging in distracting behavior that may disturb others in the temple who are in prayer or meditation.
  2. Avoid Smoking or Alcohol: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and other forms of intoxication are prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. Don’t Touch Sacred Idols: Avoid touching the idols of deities or sacred objects unless instructed by the temple priests.
  4. Don’t Bring Pets: Pets are generally not allowed in the temple, as they may disturb the peace and sanctity of the place.
  5. Avoid Displaying Disrespect: Do not make negative or disrespectful comments about the temple, its rituals, or deities. Respect for others' beliefs is paramount.
  6. Don’t Bring Outside Food: It is advised not to bring food into the temple unless it is part of a specific offering or prasad.
  7. Don’t Ignore Temple Guidelines: Refrain from breaking the temple's specific rules, such as climbing onto sacred platforms or ignoring dress codes.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional clothing such as dhotis, lungis, or pants with shirts. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless attire.

For Women: Women should wear traditional attire like sarees, salwars, or churidars. Avoid wearing skirts, shorts, or sleeveless dresses.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Puducherry Airport, which is approximately 83.6 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thirukudalaiyatrur.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Virudhachalam Junction, located about 27 km from the temple. From the station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the temple.

By Road: Thirukudalaiyatrur is well-connected by road. The nearest bus station is Virudhachalam.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Manimutharu River – A river that flows near the temple, contributing to the sacred confluence at the temple site.
  2. Vellaru River – Another river that merges with the Manimutharu River, forming a confluence near the temple.


Cities:

  1. Cuddalore – The nearest major city, located in Tamil Nadu, known for its historical significance and proximity to the temple.
  2. Virudhachalam – A town nearby, known for the Viruthagirishwarar Temple, located to the north of the temple.
  3. Chidambaram – A prominent city nearby, famous for the Nataraja Temple, situated to the southeast of the temple.