Valeeswarar of Ramagiri: A Hidden Gem in Chittoor’s Spiritual Landscape

 

 

Location Overview

• Ramagiri Village, nestled near Picchatur in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, lies close to the Tamil Nadu border.
• It’s about 58 km from Tirupati and 75 km from Chennai, accessible via Suruttappalli–Nagalapuram–Picchatur route.
• The temple sits at the foot of a hill, with a serene natural spring and lush surroundings. A Subramanya Swamy Temple is located atop the hill.

Deities and Subshrines

• Main Deity: Sri Valeeswarar – a slightly tilted Shiva Linga, believed to have been pulled by Hanuman’s tail.
• Goddess: Sri Maragadhambikai – graceful and large idol in a separate shrine.
• Primary Murthy: Sri Kala Bhairavar – known as Santhana Prapthi Bhairavar, worshipped by childless couples.
• Unique Features:
• Hanuman idol stands directly in front of Shiva, replacing the usual Nandi.
• Nandi Theertham: A sacred pond fed by water flowing continuously from a Nandi’s mouth.
• Subshrines include:
• Kalika Matha, Ganesha (Gajamukha), Veerabhadra, Dakshinamurthy, Surya, Sapta Mata, Ayyappa, Anjaneya, Agastya, Chandramouleeswarar, Brahma, Vishnu, Shanmuga, Durga, and Appar.

History and Significance

• Built in the 9th century CE by a Pallava king, later renovated by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
• Represents the Isaana face of Lord Shiva, one of the Pancha Brahma Sthalams near Chennai.
• The temple is not associated with Pradosham rituals, a rare exception among Shiva temples.
• The architecture includes no Raja Gopuram or Dwajasthambham, enhancing its ancient charm.

Legends

• As per Ramayana lore, Lord Rama instructed Hanuman to bring a Shiva Linga from Kashi for worship at Rameswaram.
• On his return, Hanuman passed through Ramagiri and was tricked by Kala Bhairava, disguised as a boy.
• Hanuman handed over the Linga temporarily to quench his thirst. Bhairava placed it on the ground, making it immovable.
• Hanuman tried lifting it with his tail, causing the Linga to tilt—hence the name Valeeswarar (Vaal means tail).
• In anger, Hanuman cursed the pond to become a hill—now the site of the Subramanya Swamy Temple above.

Architecture

• Built in the 9th century CE by a Pallava king, later renovated by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
• The temple lacks a Raja Gopuram and Dwajasthambham, giving it a serene, ancient charm.
• Divided into two main sanctums:
• One for Sri Kala Bhairavar (Santhana Prapthi Bhairavar)
• One for Sri Valeeswarar (Shiva Linga slightly tilted due to Hanuman’s tail)
• Unique layout:
• Hanuman idol stands directly in front of Shiva, replacing the traditional Nandi.
• Nandi Theertham: A sacred pond fed by water flowing year-round from a Nandi’s mouth.
• Intricate carvings of Agastya, Veerabhadra, Gajamukha Ganapati, and Kalika Matha adorn the corridors.

Festivals & Rituals

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with abhishekams and night-long bhajans.
• Pradosham: Not observed here due to Hanuman’s placement before Shiva.
• Special Pujas:
• Santhana Prapthi Bhairavar: Worshipped by childless couples.
• Devotees offer oil lamps, red flowers, and Kadamba rice.
• Ritual of offering a dog figurine (Bhairava’s vahana) after child birth is unique to this temple.

Beliefs

• Worshipping Valeeswarar here is said to be equivalent to worshipping Kashi Vishwanath, as the Linga was brought from Kashi.
• Bhairava grants child blessings, protection from Saturn’s influence, and moksha.
• The Nandi Theertham is believed to cure ailments and purify karma.
• Devotees believe that Hanuman’s tail marks are still visible on the tilted Linga.

Scriptural Reference

• Recognized as a Vaippu Sthalam, sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar in his Thevaram hymns.
• Referred to as Thirukkarikkarai in ancient texts.
• Associated with Ramayana lore: Hanuman’s journey from Kashi to Rameswaram, and Bhairava’s divine intervention.
• Represents the Isaana face of Lord Shiva, one of the Pancha Brahma Sthalams near Chennai.

Daily Timings: 8:00 AM–11:45 AM and 3:00 PM–5:45 PM

Getting Here

• From Tirupati:
• Distance: ~58 km
• Route: Tirupati → Puttur → Narayanavanam → Picchatur → Ramagiri
• Ramagiri is just 2 km from Picchatur, located right on the bypass road.
• From Chennai:
• Distance: ~75 km
• Route: Chennai → Tiruvallur → Uthukottai → Suruttapalli → Ramagiri
• This scenic route passes through several temples including Suruttapalli Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple.
• Nearest Railway Station:
• Tirupati Railway Station (well-connected to major cities)
• Nearest Airport:
• Tirupati International Airport (~60 km)
• Alternate: Chennai International Airport (~75 km)

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: November to February offers pleasant weather and clear views of the surrounding hills and Nandi Theertham.
• Photography: Allowed in outer areas, but restricted inside sanctums—check with temple staff.
• Local Customs: Begin darshan with Kala Bhairavar before proceeding to Valeeswarar and Maragathambikai shrines.
• Nearby Temples:
• Suruttapalli Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple
• Vedanarayana Perumal Temple, Nagalapuram
• Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Narayanavanam