Arthanareeswarar Rishivandhyam

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Arthanareeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Muthambigai, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara, Vinayaka, Agastheeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Vishwakarma, Annamalaiyar, Murugan, Navagraha, Saneeswara, 63 Nayanmars

Arthanadeeswarar Rishivandhyam is an east facing temple with a 5 tier rajagopuram. The lingam reveals parvathi when bathed with honey, thus the name Arthanareeswara (half man, half woman).

Holy water (Theertham) – Agastya Theertham, Indra Theertham, Gnanabodha Theertham, Agni Theertham, Sankara Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum)

History

Arthanareeswarar Rishivandhyam is ancient temple. The historical information is not available as on date.

Legend

Indra is believed to have worshiped Shiva here at Arthanareeswarar Rishivandhyam with milk and ignored Parvati. When the milk vessels disappeared one day he despaired and was advised by Shiva to worship both him and his consort. He also told Sage Agastya that Parvati will appear on him when bathed with honey. Many saints (rishis) are believed to have stayed and worshiped here and hence the name of the town – Rishivandhyam.

Directions

From Villupuram you can reach Arthanareeswarar Rishivandhyam from Thirukoviloor (22 kilometers via Vinmar) and from Ulundurpet (about 37 kilometers via Thiyagadurgam on the Kallakurichi Road).

Stay and Food

Tea and Snack shops available locally

Saivite Temples

Arthanareeswarar, Rishivandhyam