Margabandeeswarar Temple Virinchipuram

"Ancient Temple of Lord Margabandeeswarar, Virinjipuram

The Margabandeeswarar Temple (also known as Vazhithunai Nathar Temple) at Virinjipuram, near Vellore, is a 1300+ year-old marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands as one of the oldest and most powerful temples in the Vellore district, rich in history, architecture, and divine legends.

* Spiritual Significance:
This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma’s curse was absolved. According to legend, after Brahma lied to Lord Shiva during the Lingodhbhava episode, he was cursed to be born as a human child named Shivasarma. When young Shivasarma was unable to perform temple duties, Lord Shiva Himself appeared as an old man and taught him the rituals. The Lingam here is slightly tilted, symbolizing how the Lord bent forward to bless the boy — a rare and sacred feature.

This temple is also called Bhaskara Kshetram, where the Sun God worshipped Lord Shiva during the Tamil month of Panguni. The holy water (Theertham) here was created by Goddess Gowri Devi, so the place is also known as Gowripuram. It’s said that Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Gowri Devi have all worshipped here.

* Temple Highlights:

Majestic Rajagopurams (temple towers) and exquisite stone carvings from the Chola and Vijayanagara periods.
Ancient inscriptions from Raja Raja Chola, Rajendra Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagara kings.
Lord Murugan of this temple has been praised in the hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar.
Mentioned in Arunachala Puranam, Kanchipuranam, and Brahmanda Puranam.
Birthplace of Sri Appayya Dikshithar, who composed the famous Margabandhu Stotram here for protection during travel.

🌞 Special Worship & Festivals:
The temple is one among the Bhaskara Kshetrams, where the Sun God’s rays fall on the Lingam.
The Karthigai Sundays (Tamil month of Karthigai) are celebrated in a grand manner here, similar to Raghu Sthalam, Tirunageswaram, and Srivanchiyam. The Theerthavari festival held on the last Sunday of Karthigai (Kadai Gnayiru) is especially famous.

* Deities and Features:

Lord Shiva: Sri Margabandeeswarar / Vazhithunai Nathar
Goddess Parvati: Sri Maragathambikai
Sthala Vriksham: Palm Tree
Theerthams: Simha Theertham, Sooli Theertham & Brahma Theertham

🕰️ Temple Timings:
⏰ Morning – 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
⏰ Evening – 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📍 Location & Access:
Situated about 18 km from Vellore Bus Stand. On the Chennai–Bangalore Highway, after the Vellore bypass, travel another 15 km till Sedhuvalai, then take a right towards Virinjipuram (just 1 km from the junction).

✨ Verdict:
A serene and spiritually powerful temple, rich with divine legends, ancient architecture, and timeless energy. Perfect for devotees, history lovers, and travelers seeking divine grace and inner peace. A true spiritual gem of Tamil Nadu and a must-visit near Vellore!"

A S SATHISH KUMAR

"A beautiful, 8-centuries old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the village of Virinchipuram, we visited this temple and had a pleasant darshanam.

There was no crowd, and the darshanam was quick and direct, one can stay in the sanctum for a longer time to pray. There are several other smaller shrines dedicated to other gods, including Ganesha and Lord Shiva's resigning consort Maragathambigai.

The temple has amazing architecture, including some exquisite pillars on the northern and northwestern ends of the temple complex. It is a great temple to visit in Vellore, albeit more maintenance would be appreciable to preserve this heritage site."

Karthik Vatsavayi

"This temple is in Virinjipuram, a small town situated about 14 km from Vellore fort. This temple was said to be built in the 13th century by the Chola kings and additions were made by the Pallava, Hoysala and Vijayanagar kings.

Lord Shiva is known as Sri Margabandeeswarar and Goddess Parvathi is known as Sri Maragathambigai. The temple has very intricate sculptures and is very well maintained. This temple and the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore fort are the two oldest temples in Vellore district."

ERAIANBU EZHILARASU