Saptha Vidanga Sthalams
Seven Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu where Shiva is worshipped in unique standing (Vidanga) dance forms
| # | Temple | Location | State | Deity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai | Thirukkuvalai | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
| 2 | Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar (Shani Sthalam) | Thirunallar | Puducherry | Shiva |
| 3 | Kannayiramudaiyar Temple, Thirukarayil (Thirukaravasal) | Thirukaravasal (Thirukarayil) | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
| 4 | Kayarohanaswami Temple, Nagapattinam | Nagapattinam | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
| 5 | Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur | Thiruvarur | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
| 6 | Vaimurnathar Temple, Thiruvaimur | Thiruvaimur | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
| 7 | Vedaranyeswarar Temple, Vedaranyam | Vedaranyam | Tamil Nadu | Shiva |
About Each Temple
Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai
Emperor Muchukunda installed the third of his seven Vidanga lingams at Thirukkuvalai, where Shiva manifests as Brahmapureeswarar — the Lord of Brahma's city. According to the legend, Brahma once performed intense penance here to atone for his pride, and Shiva appeared before him and granted him the …
Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar (Shani Sthalam)
This is considered the single most powerful temple in India for relief from Saturn's malefic effects, including Sade Sati (seven-and-a-half-year Saturn transit), Ashtama Shani (Saturn in the 8th house), and Shani dosha. Worshipping here during Shani Peyarchi (Saturn transit) is believed to mitigate hardships, remove obstacles, cure chronic ailments, and restore fortune. It is the most visited among all nine Navagraha temples.
Kannayiramudaiyar Temple, Thirukarayil (Thirukaravasal)
Emperor Muchukunda installed the fourth Vidanga lingam at Thirukarayil, also known as Thirukaravasal. Shiva manifests here as Kannayiramudaiyar, and the Vidanga form is called Adi Vidangar — the primordial Vidangar. His dance is the Kukkuda Natanam — a spirited, vigorous dance resembling the proud g…
Kayarohanaswami Temple, Nagapattinam
Emperor Muchukunda installed the second of his seven Vidanga lingams at Nagapattinam. This lingam is said to be made of ruby and was brought by Rajendra Chola I from a Southeast Asian kingdom during his legendary naval expedition. Shiva manifested here as Kayarohanaswami, and the Vidanga form is cal…
Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur
Emperor Muchukunda, who had assisted Indra in a celestial war, was rewarded with seven small divine lingams called Vidanga lingams. He installed the first and most important of these at Thiruvarur, where Shiva manifested as Vanmikanathar (Lord of the anthill) — having appeared from a Valmika (anthil…
Vaimurnathar Temple, Thiruvaimur
Emperor Muchukunda installed the sixth Vidanga lingam at Thiruvaimur, a village between Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam. Shiva manifests here as Vaimurnathar and the Vidanga form is Bhuvanividangar — the Vidangar of the worlds. His dance is the Kamala Natanam, which depicts the gradual blossoming of a l…
Vedaranyeswarar Temple, Vedaranyam
Emperor Muchukunda installed the seventh and final Vidanga lingam at Vedaranyam, which takes its name from the legend that the four Vedas (sacred scriptures) themselves took the form of trees and performed penance here to worship Shiva, creating a Veda Aranyam (forest of the Vedas). Shiva, pleased b…