Margabandeswarar Temple - Virinjipuram, Vellore - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

About Margabandeswarar Temple

At a distance of 13 Km from Vellore, Sri Margabandeswarar Temple is a 13th century Hindu temple situated at Virinjipuram in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the southern bank of the Palar River, it one of the must visit places as part of the Vellore family packages. Commonly referred to as the Virinjipuram Temple, this sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features exquisite stone carvings and grand Dravidian architecture, a testament to the artistry of the Chola Dynasty rulers. The temple is also called the 'Baskara Kshetram', where the Sun God is said to worship the shiva lingam when its rays fall on it in the month of Panguni. This site is recognized as a monument of national importance and is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History of Margabandeswarar Temple

The Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple was constructed many years ago during the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The primary shrine of this temple was established by Raja Raja Chola, Sambara Rayan, and the Viceroy of Kulothunga Chola. In subsequent years, the architectural design was further enhanced by the Pallavas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Kings. The Nayaka kings of the Vijayanagara Empire were responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram, Artha Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam. Notably, Sri Appayya Dikshitar, a prominent figure in the Advaita School of Hindu Philosophy following Adi Sankara, was born in the Virinjipuram Temple, which was formerly referred to as the Tiruvirinjipuram Temple.

Mythology of Margabandeswarar Temple

The tale of the Virinjipuram Temple recounts a time of escalating conflict between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu concerning their roles within the sacred trinity. In response to their discord, Lord Shiva was consulted and transformed into an eternal lingam, challenging them to discover his beginning and end. Lord Vishnu, after taking the form of a boar and excavating the earth, was unable to locate Shiva's end and returned, acknowledging his defeat. Conversely, Lord Brahma attempted to deceive Shiva; after failing to find Shiva's beginning by ascending to the heavens in the guise of a swan; he sought the testimony of the ketaki flower, which adorned Shiva's head. This act of deceit infuriated Lord Shiva, who subsequently cursed Brahma. Due to the curse, Lord Brahma was reborn as a poor Brahmin named Siva Sharma in Virinjipuram, enduring significant hardships throughout his life. He frequently visited the temple to pray to Lord Shiva. Due to his unwavering determination and devotion, Lord Shiva eventually appeared to him, bestowed blessings upon him, and alleviated his struggles. This narrative has enhanced the temple's status as a sacred site, inspiring devotees to believe that their challenges may be resolved through the grace of Lord Shiva.

Architecture of Margabandeswarar Temple

The Margabandeswarar temple exemplifies Dravidian architectural style, characterized by five prakarams, impressive gopurams, and mantapas (halls). The east-facing Rajagopuram, which stands seven stories tall, reaches a height of 110 feet. A notable feature of the temple is the presence of two Kalyana Mandapas situated on either side of the outer enclosures. These mandapas are adorned with intricately carved pillars and sculptures, showcasing various depictions of deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and others. Among the remarkable figures are Narasimha emerging from a pillar to vanquish Hiranyakasipa, Vishnu accompanied by musical instruments, and other exquisite representations.

Within the sanctum resides the principal deity, Markabandheeswarar, represented in the form of a lingam that tilts slightly towards the northeast. During the month of Panguni (March/April), sunlight illuminates the presiding deity. The ceiling above the sanctum sanctorum is embellished with Rudraksha. The temple's goddess is Maragadambal, while other deities present include Ganapathy, Subramanya, Chandra Mouleeswara, Pancha Mukha Lingam, Saptha Matrukas, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and Durga. In this temple, Lord Brahma is revered as Virinjan, having worshipped Lord Shiva at this site, which led to the name Virinjipuram.

The Simha Teerth, a tank featuring a lion-faced sculpture, is a well-constructed element within the temple complex. The miracle palm tree, known as the Sthala Vruksha, is located in the inner corridor. Additionally, the Virinjipuram Temple is equipped with a natural clock that was historically utilized to tell time based on the shifting shadows created by sunlight.

Festivals of Margabandeswarar Temple

The Sri Margabandeswarar Temple in Virinjipuram celebrates festivals like Theerthavari in Panguni (March/April) for 10 days, Shivaratri (February/March) and Navarathri (September/October). The temple hosts a grand gathering during the 10-days annual festival of Theerthavari when the rays of the sun fall directly over the presiding deity. Maha Shivaratri is another major festival celebrated here with great fervor, featuring music, dance, and rituals.

Dress Code & Other Restriction of Margabandeswarar Temple

While there isn't a strict dress code for visiting the Margabandeswarar Temple, it's recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and legs, as a mark of respect for the temple's sanctity. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhar. Avoid wearing nightwear, short pants, midis, short dresses, and sleeveless tops.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Margabandeswarar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Margabandeswarar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 10

Best Time to Visit Margabandeswarar Temple

The optimal period to Margabandeswarar Temple is during the winter months, specifically from November to February, when the weather is mild and enjoyable, allowing for a thorough exploration of the temple. Another suitable time to visit the temple is during the month of March when the sun rays fall directly on the idol of the primary deity, Margabandeswarar and it is during this time of the year that Theerthavari festival and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated in Tamil Nadu across all the major Temples including Virinjipuram.

How to Reach Margabandeswarar Temple

Situated roughly 138 kilometers from Virinjipuram, Chennai International Airport is the closest airport, providing a wide range of flight options to nearly all major cities within India and abroad. Vellore, located about 13 kilometers away, is the nearest city to the Virinjipuram Temple and is well-connected by train and bus services to various nearby cities, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Bangalore. Travelers can access Sri Margabandeeswarar Temple from Vellore by road, with auto rickshaws and taxis readily available for hire at the railway station, bus stand, and other localities.

Balamurugan Temple - Ratnagiri

About Balamurugan Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Vellore, the Balamurugan Temple, commonly referred to as the Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a hillock in Ratnagiri, within the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. Positioned along the Vellore-Chennai Highway, it is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the must-visit places as part of Vellore packages. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the 14th-century poet Arunagirinathar has composed verses celebrating this sacred place, highlighting that Murugan, the deity of the Devas, resides in Ratnagiri.