50. ARASUR

VAALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 6 kms from Ponneri

Shiva: Vaaleeswarar

Amman: Sowndharyavalli

Speciality:

The Vaaleeswarar of this temple has come across many Yugas.

This place was the head of villages around. Therefore it was called Arasu - oor meaning King of Villages.

Valeeswarar had been worshipped by Vedha Idhikasa Purana period.

The temple was initially a brick temple. The Pallava King Narasimha the second also called Rajya Simha converted it into a stone temple and built Vimanam, Agamandapam, Mugamandapam, Ambaal Sannidhi, compound wall and Gopuram.

The Gopuram faces south. Temples facing southern direction relieves one from the fear of death.

The most important feature of the temple is Pancha Linga Dharshan. They are:

• Gnana Prasannambigai samedha Kalahastheeswarar (5 headed snake)
• Elavar Kuzhali samedha Ekambareswarar
• Akhilandeswari samedha Jambukeswarar
• Kasi Visalakshi samedha Kasi Viswanadhar
• Parvadhavarthini samedha Ramanadhar

Worshipping the Pancha Lingas of this temple is similar to worshipping Kalahsthi, Kanchipuram, Thiruvanaikka, Kasi and Rameswaram respectively. 

Mulavar Valeeswarar is a Shodasa Linga. It can be seen very prominently during Abhishekam.

The vibrations created by the mantras and penances done by sages and saints are felt in this temple at high levels. 

The Amman Soundharyavalli is to the right of Shiva. The Amman Sannidhi if found to the right of Shiva is said to bestow her devotees with the boon of marriage.

All the Koshta and Prahara deities are found.

An American Philosopher John Stephen came to this temple wrote about the vibrations in this Research Book on the topic Shiva Lingam.

History:

Vaali of Ramayana was a staunch devotee of Shiva. He installed many Shiva lingas whenever he wished to worship. He has installed innumerable Shiva lingas. He was searching for an auspicious place for installing the linga for his worship. He searched for a place which stood firm even at the times of Pralaya. Such a place was Asalanapuram, now called Arasur.