Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple at Thiruchengode

Sri Ardhanareeswarar Temple at Thiruchengode

Arthanareeswarar temple is located in Tiruchengode in Namakkal District, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is mentioned in the Tamil work Silapathikaram as Neduvelkunru. It is also famous for Chenkottu Velavar (Lord Muruga) Temple, which is situated in the same hill in Tiruchengode.

Another name of Arthanareeswar temple is Thiru Kodimaada Chenkundrur, is an ancient Hindu Temple known for its manifestation of Half Male Half Female Lord Ardhanarishvara (Shiva). One of the 64 manifestations of Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and his consort Parvati, is enshrined in this hill temple The temple is situated on a hill near Tiruchengode

History:
The temple dates back to the Sangam period and was renovated during the periods of cholas, pandyas and nayak kings. A British officer, Davis, repaired some parts of the temple. We can see his image in Mukkoottu Vinayagar temple. Tirugnanasambandar wrote ‘Tiruneelakanta Pathigam’ and Arunagirinathar is believed to have written ‘Tiruppugalh’ in this temple.
The path has 11 mandapams-providing shelters to people going up the hill. Pasuvan Swami Mandapam is on the way to top.

The village people offer milk, ghee or cheese to Pasuvan Swami so that their homes can become abundant with these products.

Legends:
Adi Kesava Perumal, enshrined here, instructed Gowri on the Kedara Gowri Vratam which she performed to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. One of the 64 manifestations of Shiva – the man-woman form with Parvati constituting the left half of Shiva.

Festivals:
The major festival is the Sengottuvelavar Car Festival known as Vaigasi Visakam (Celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi). The Festival is celebrated for 15 days, with separate cars carrying sengottuvelavar, arthanareeswarar and many small lords. This festival is famous among the towns and villages surrounding Tiruchengode. It is a big festivel for the Tiruchengode people.

The hill which stands in the midst of Thirukodimada Sengundroor and also sung in Thevaram is Nagagiri, it is also called Nagachalam, Panimalai, Uragaverpu, Siva-malai, Kodaimalai and Deivathirumalai.
This divine mountain contains about 350 acres of land which is 2000 feet above sea level. It kindles imagination and appears different from different angles. This is actually formed by Nagamalai and Nandimalai.

A Special Cover Was Released On January 06, 2017 In Chennai, Tamil-Nadu, India During TANAPEX-2017 On Lord Arthanareeshwarar Temple, Tiruchengode !!