Devotees who perform the Giri valam around Tiruvannamalai worship the eight lingams around Arunachaleswara, one for each direction, namely
Indralingam
Agnilingam
Yamalingam
Nirudhilingam
Kuberalingam
Vayulingam
Varunalingam and
Eesanyalingam
to maximise the benefit of worship and to be bestowed of the grace and blessings of these lingams installed and worshipped by the lords of the eight directions.Not many of us are aware that similar Ashtalingams, one for each direction, are found around the Vedapureeswarar Temple in Thiruverkadu. These lingams are located over a radius of 24 kms around this temple and several people undertake to visit all eight lingams on special days like Full Moon days, New Moon Days, Mondays and Monthly Sivarathri. Performing this Pradhakshina on Wednesdays is said to bring all sixteen elements of prosperity to the worshipper.
The Indrasenapatheeswarar Temple is to the East of Vedapureeswara Temple at Vallikollaimedu, which is quite close to the Karumariamman temple at Thiruverkadu. This lingam is said to have been worshipped by Lord Indra to regain his status as King of Indraloka. People worship this lingam to gain promotion at work and to obtain or complete Government related work or orders.
When Sage Agasthya was going down South to balance the Earth during the celestial wedding of Lord Siva and Parvathi, he installed Shivalingams at several places. Since he could not participate in the wedding, Lord Shiva agreed to grant him the vision of the divine marriage at will. When Agasthya came to worship at Thiruverkadu, he sought to see the Lord's marriage there. So the Lord appeared before him along with Goddess Parvathi in the Marriage Kolam as Vedapureeswarar. Goddess Parvathi teased the Lord saying that while he immediately manifested in whatever form the Sages wanted, what would he do for simple devotees? With the smile, the Lord manifested himself in the form of Lingams on all eight directions around.
Vedapureeswara, much to the delight and happiness of Goddess Parvathi. King Anabaya Cholan (Kulothunga II) had constructed the Vedapureeswarar temple as well as temples for eight lingams around it.
However, with the passage of time, and several invasions, the temples have become lesser known shrines. This is not well known around is on the main road itself. Lot of encroachments have reduced the space for the temple.
Contact: Daily pujas are performed by Sivanadiyar Gopi he can be reached on 9840759637.
Location: Indrasenapatheeswarar Temple, Vallikollaimedu,Thiruverkadu
