Have you noticed the serene aura around us? This is Vaaliswarar Temple. It is one of Mylapore’s seven sacred Shiva temples. We are standing at a place steeped in legend and devotion.
The story of Vaaliswarar Temple centers around Shukra. Shukra is the guru of the asuras. The legend tells of a time when the asura king Mahabali was about to grant land to Vamana. Vamana was an avatar of Vishnu. Shukra tried to intervene. He suspected foul play.
Mahabali ignored Shukra’s warnings. Shukra then blocked the water flow in Mahabali’s kamandalu. Mahabali could not ritually grant the land to Vamana. Vamana then used a blade of darbha grass to prick the nozzle. This act blinded Shukra.
Shukra, now blind, meditated upon Shiva at this very spot. He sought to regain his eyesight. Pleased with Shukra’s devotion Shiva restored his sight. Velleeswarar is the epithet of Shiva as “Lord of Vellee”. Vellee refers to the god Shukra. This temple is thus a testament to Shukra’s devotion.
The Vaaliswarar Temple itself is a sight to behold. It is a mid-sized temple that spreads over two acres. The temple has a five-tier vimana facing south. As you enter there is a shrine to Ganesha. He stands with his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi. This standing posture of Ganesha is rare.
The sanctum houses the lingam. It is the symbol of Shiva. It faces east. Nearby is the shrine of Kamakshi. She is Shiva’s consort, Parvati. She faces south. Around the Shiva shrine are the idols of the Sapta-matrikas. These are the seven mother goddesses. One of them Varahi is especially venerated here at Vaaliswarar Temple.
An idol of Trivikrama stands behind Shiva’s shrine. The goddess Durga faces north and is also worshipped here. There is also a shrine of Muthukumaraswamy with his consorts Valli and Devasena. They are in standing posture. In the outer courtyard stands the god Bhairava. He is a form of Shiva.
To the left are shrines for Sarabeshwara and the goddess Pratyangira. We also see Shukra praying to Shiva. Shani and the Navagrahas also have shrines in the outer courtyard. The temple flagstaff stands tall among them.
It is believed that worshiping at Vaaliswarar Temple empowers one’s eyes. It gives the spiritual vision to perceive God. Velleeswarar protects devotees from desires inflamed by our eyes. Eye specialists and patients with eye problems often worship here. They seek blessings for healing and clarity.
Vaaliswarar Temple is one of the Sapta Sthana Shiva temples in Mylapore. The seven temples include Karaneeswarar Temple and Tirttapaleeswarar Temple. Virupakshiswarar Temple, Valeeswarar Temple, Malleeswarar Temple and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are also included.
Traditionally, the Ekambareshwarar-Valluvar temple is considered the eighth. These temples represent a complete spiritual circuit. The Vaaliswarar Temple is more than just a historical site. It is a living testament to faith, legend, and architectural beauty. It is a place where devotees seek solace. They also seek healing and spiritual insight. Take a moment to absorb the peace. Remember the story of Shukra’s devotion. Let it inspire your own spiritual journey.