The temple is on the hill which is red in color. One should take 1206 steps to reach the top of the hill to worship the Lord Shiva–Ardhanareeswarar. Cars and taxis are available to reach the temple. The Rajagopuram is five tiered; 260' in length and 160' east–west breath. The period of the temple dates back to sangam period and renovated during the periods of cholas, pandyas and nayak kings. A British officer, Davis, repaired some parts of temple. Tirugnanasambandar wrote 'Tiruneelakanta Pathigam' and Arunagirinathar is believed to have written 'Tiruppugalh' in this temple. One cannot miss the long 60' red colored snake carved along the steps. People worship Adi Seshan–the snake. The path has 11 mandapams–providing shelter to people going up the hill.
Varuna
Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode
Phone: +91-4288-255 925, 93642 29181
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Pujas are performed as per agamas in this timeple. The midday puja-Utchi kala puja is famous. The villagers around the town could reach the temple only during the day time with fresh flowers, milk, butter and other fruits. This happened when there was no motorway or road. Still this puja is very important in this temple.
New Moon days and Full Moon days attract more devotees to the temple. Vaikasi is an important month here. Ardhanareeswarar comes down to the town down below. The town wears festive look and people throng from all over the Kongu region during these days for the darshan of the Lord.However all months have festivals because of the presence of other deities like Adi Kesava Perumal, Sengottuvelan, Sakthi and Pandeeswaran. Girivalam is also very famous.
Once Lord Adi Kesava Perumal instructed Goddess Sakthi to go on penance to attain oneness with Lord Shiva. On Kedara Gowri day the wish came true. Lord Shiva appeared as Umai Oru Bagan allowing Goddess Sakthi to be the left part of him.
Another story involves Vayu and Adi Seshan. Adi seshan was in the Meru Mountain ranges. A fight started between Vayu–the lord of Air and Adi Seshan–the lord's snake. Vayu tried to blow away the mountain. In the fierce war, Vayu successfully blew a part of Meru. This part fell in the Kongu region with Adiseshan clinging to it hurt and bleeding. That is the reason the color of the 60' feet snake is red. The hill is also red and yellow colored.
There is a small shrine for Pandeeswarar on the hill. People offer cradles and they believe that they can have children.On the way to the temple, the sixtieth step is considered as step of Honesty and truth-that is sathiyappadi. When people have problems and litigations among them, one who was ready to tell the truth from this place was believed to be the true and honest; his evidence played vital role in delivering justice in those days.
The Pasuvan Swami attracts many farmers and villagers. They offer milk, butter and curd to Lord in a belief that this would be returned abundantly and richly.Many people who have Nagadosham offer abishegams to Adiseshan with turmeric and kumkum. It is generally believed that they are blessed with marriage soon.
