VRIDHACHALAM - VRIDHAMBIGAI TEMPLE

Situated on the bank of river Manimuthar, Vridhachala kshetra is well know for its ancient temple dedicated to Vridhagiriswarar. It is built in an extensive land with a sturdy prakara and a broad mahadwar surmounting a high tower. There are several subsidiary shrines housing the most adorable Saivate deities. Built and patronized by several princes, its architectural beauty is heightened by exquisite sculptural pieces of best artistry Lord Siva, the presiding deity is infinitely compassionate to the adorers, that he converted even aliens whose religion and traditions are diametrically opposed to Hinduism by demonstration of miracles. They donated valuable and useful objects as token of their piety to the Lord.

Mother Vridambigai is enshrined in a separate independent sannidhi, which is equally imposing and containing all the essential parts, like garbhagriha, mukha mandapa, maha mandapa and the like. And they are all exquisitely built and tastefully adorned with beautifully sculptured figures. The Mother earned an unenviable reputation for raining boons on the deserving bhaktas that the number increased by leaps and bounds. Several kinds of prayer services are offered to her on Fridays and Tuesdays regularly besides the daily puja. The enchanting iron of the Mother draped in colourful costumes and adorned with glittering jewels raises hands in veneration without one's knowing of it. Women folk are drawn irresistibly towards her more than male bhaktas despite her impartiality in grating boons. Its spacious courtyards overflow with women during festival days particularly on Dasara.

It is 45 km. off Chidambaram in the South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu, accessible by bus. 

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