Aramvalarteshvara
The Lord Who Establishes Justice
In the sacred city of Kanchipuram, behind the Keerai Mandapam, lies the ancient temple of Aramvalarteshvarar. This revered temple is a testament to the divine intervention of Lord Shiva in establishing justice and restoring the spirit of Dharma. Let us delve into the intriguing sthala purana (legendary history) and discover the distinctive features of this temple dedicated to Aramvalarteshvarar.
Unveiling the Storied Past:
The sthala purana of Aramvalarteshvarar temple intertwines with the mythological tale of the churning of the ocean. It begins with the Devas, celestial beings, facing a crisis due to a curse from the sage Durvasa. The Asuras, their counterparts, were gaining strength under the guidance of their Guru Shukracharya, who possessed the power of Mrta-Sanjivani Vidya, the ability to resurrect the dead. To counter the Asuras, the Devas needed the elixir of life, Amrta, which could only be obtained by churning the ocean.
The Divine Intervention:
During the churning process, the ocean yielded the Halahala, a deadly poison that threatened all existence. The poisonous fumes engulfed the world, causing chaos and impairing the sense of Dharma (Aram in Tamizh) among all living beings. Witnessing the plight of the universe, Lord Shiva manifested and performed a remarkable act. He gathered the potent poison in his palm and selflessly consumed it, earning him the names Nilakantha, Srikantha, and Manikantha. This selfless act of Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction.
The Revival of Dharma:
Alongside neutralizing the poison, Lord Shiva recognized the importance of restoring the spirit of Dharma. To accomplish this noble task, he brought back the essence of Dharma or Aram. In honor of this significant event, the temple in Kanchipuram was established, dedicated to Aramvalarteshvarar, the Lord who establishes justice.
Exploring the Temple:
Stepping into the sanctum sanctorum, you will encounter a majestic Shivalinga seated on a circular yonipitha. This primary shrine is devoted to Aramvalarteshvarar, where devotees offer their prayers and seek the divine blessings of the Lord who embodies justice. Additionally, the temple houses smaller shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles. The intricately carved idols of Vinayaka are flanked by two serpents, symbolizing protection and energy.
The temple of Aramvalarteshvarar stands as a testament to the selfless act of Lord Shiva in swallowing the deadly Halahala poison and his subsequent revival of the spirit of Dharma. It serves as a reminder of the eternal values of justice, righteousness, and ethical conduct. By worshipping Aramvalarteshvarar, devotees seek inspiration to uphold these values in their daily lives.
We hope this virtual journey to the Aramvalarteshvarar temple has ignited your curiosity and deepened your understanding of the rich mythological heritage of India. Join us again for more intriguing tales and spiritual insights from around the world.
