| Description:
This is a Shivastalam in the vicinity of Tiruvenkadu
on the route between Sirkazhi and Poompuhaar.
Keezhpperumpallam enshrining Naganathar, located nearby is a Kethustalam - one of the 9
Navagrahastalams. Tiruvalampuram is considered to be the 44th in the
series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the
river Kaveri. Legend holds that Vishnu is worshipped Shiva to
receive a Valampuri Shankh here. Near this town is Tiruttalaichankaadu,
another Shivastalam associated with the same legend. Also in Talaichankaadu is the
Vaishnava Divya Desam Talaichanga Naanmadiyam, where a priceless conch adorns the image of
Vishnu. Heranda Muni who went into the ground in search of Kaveri at Tiruvalanchuzhi , is said to have re-emerged here.
This temple covers an area of about 2 acres. The image of Bhikshatanar
here depicted as playing on the veena is one of great beauty. Appar's Tevaram here
(7th century) , refers to Shiva holding a veena in his arms, moving around as
Bhikshatanar, and this image is a later Chola (12th - 13th century) artiste's
expression in metal, of Appar's description! Shiva here is also known as
Dakshinapureeswarar. The completely rebuilt stone structure existed even during the period
of Vikrama Chola (1121), as seen from inscriptions here. Images of Natarajar and
Sivakami, Palliyarai Nachiyar, Tandanganni Nachiyar etc. were added during the period of
Vikrama Chola and Rajadiraja II. The bronze image of Kiratamurthy here is of great
workmanship.
Festivals: Five worship services are offered each day and the annual
festival is observed in the month of Thai. |
