Padi (Tiruvalithayam) Sri Tiruvalleswarar Temple
Sri Tiruvalleswarar Temple at Padi, historically known as Thiruvalithayam, is one of the ancient Shiva temples of Chennai. It is a Thevaram Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised by Saint Thirugnana Sambandar, and is traditionally counted as the 21st Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam of Thondai Nadu. The Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department describes the temple as approximately 1,300 years old.
The presiding deity is Lord Tiruvalleswarar, also known as Valithayanathar / Valithaya Nathar, and the Goddess is Sri Jagadambikai, also known as Thayammai. The Moolavar is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam.
The temple is especially notable for its Gajabrushta Vimana, whose rear portion resembles the back of a resting elephant. It also has a three-tier Rajagopuram and several important subsidiary shrines.
The temple has a particularly strong association with Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter) because Guru is believed to have worshipped Shiva here and obtained relief from a curse. Consequently, Padi Tiruvalleswarar Temple is widely regarded as a Guru Parihara Sthalam in Chennai.
At the same time, Surya Bhagavan is specifically listed among the divine beings who worshipped Lord Tiruvalleswarar. Therefore, the temple also has an important traditional connection with Surya worship.
| Moolavar | Sri Tiruvalleswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Sri Jagadambikai |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Theertham | Bharadwaja Theertham |
| Timings | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Best Time to Visit
To harness the specific Parihara benefits, visiting during Thai (Jan-Feb, during Rathasapthami for the Sun) and Chithirai (Apr-May, for the Brahmotsavam) is highly recommended. Also, any month when the Guru Peyarchi occurs is ideal for Jupiter-related prayers.
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
This temple holds dual significance in Vedic astrology as a Parihara Sthalam for both Surya (Sun) and Guru (Jupiter).
- Surya Parigaram: Because Lord Surya regained his lost radiance and divine status here after severe afflictions, it is a prime remedy center for those suffering from Surya Dosha (afflictions of the Sun in one's horoscope, which cause loss of reputation, health issues, and career downfalls).
- Guru Parigaram: Sage Bharadwaja is deeply associated with Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter). Since the sage performed penance here, the Dakshinamurthy (the silent teacher form of Lord Shiva, worshipped as Guru) in this temple is considered exceptionally powerful. Devotees flock here during Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter transit) to seek blessings for marriage, wealth, and education.
Who should worship?
- Marriage Delays: Among the Navagrahas, Guru (Jupiter) is considered a completely auspicious planet. A benevolent aspect from Guru brings immense benefits. Furthermore, marriage materializes when Guru gains strength in the horoscope (including during transits). Therefore, those facing obstacles to marriage should worship Him.
- Progeny/Childbirth Issues: As the Putra Karaka (significator of children), his grace is necessary for couples struggling to conceive.
- Financial Struggles: Guru is the Dhana Karaka (significator of wealth); a weak Guru leads to debt and lack of savings.
- Educational Hurdles: Students lacking concentration or seeking higher education/research success need Guru's blessings.
- People with Guru Dosha: Those experiencing Guru Neecha (debilitated), Guru Chandala Dosha (conjunction with Rahu/Ketu), or going through a tough Guru Mahadasha or Guru Peyarchi (transit).
Mantra & Slokam
Chanting this mantra 108 times on Thursdays brings immense wisdom, peace, and prosperity.
Om Vrushabadhwajaya Vidmahe Kruni Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Guru Prachodayath
Parigaram Items
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bengal Gram (Chana Dal / Kondakadalai) | Naivedyam |
| Yellow Cloth (Vastram) | Donate |
| Turmeric | Donate |
| Jasmine / Mullai | Pooja |
| Yellow Sapphire | Wearing Ornament |
How to perform Parigaram at home
Fasting: Observe a partial or full fast on Thursdays. Eat only yellow-colored foods (like lentils, bananas) or a vegetarian meal without onion and garlic.
Pooja: Clean your pooja room on Thursday morning. Place a picture of Guru Bhagavan or Lord Dakshinamurthy. Light a ghee lamp (diya) facing North.
Offering: Offer yellow flowers (like jasmine/mullai or yellow marigold) and a Naivedyam (food offering) of boiled chickpeas (Kondakadalai).
Chanting: Sit peacefully and chant the Guru Gayatri Mantra or simply "Om Brihaspataye Namah" 108 times using a turmeric or rudraksha mala. Add a pinch of turmeric to your bathing water on Thursdays.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
One of the principal legends concerns Sage Bharadwaja.
According to the Sthala Purana, Bharadwaja was affected by a curse and took birth in the form of a black sparrow, known as Valiyan. Seeking liberation from this condition, he visited several sacred places and finally came to Thiruvalithayam.
Here, he discovered the Shiva Lingam beneath a Padhiri/Kondrai tree and worshipped Lord Shiva with devotion. Pleased with his worship, Lord Shiva appeared before him, removed the curse and blessed him. Because Bharadwaja worshipped the Lord in the form of Valiyan, the place came to be known as Thiru-Valithayam, and the Lord as Valithayanathar.
Another important legend concerns Guru Bhagavan (Brihaspati).
Guru is said to have incurred the curse of Menaka, wife of his elder brother, because of an offence. Seeking relief, Guru approached Sage Markandeya. The sage advised him to come to Thiruvalithayam, worship Lord Shiva and perform penance here.
Guru followed the advice, performed Shiva Puja and obtained relief from the curse through the grace of Lord Tiruvalleswarar. This is the principal reason for the temple's reputation as a Guru Parihara Sthalam.
Vali's Worship: The Vanara king Vali (from the Ramayana) is also said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here to gain immense strength and invincibility before facing his battles.
Sun God's Penance: According to the scriptures, Lord Surya (the Sun God) once lost his divine effulgence and radiance due to a curse. He descended to this exact spot and worshipped Lord Vallesvarar. Pleased with Surya's devotion, Lord Shiva restored his glow and power. Lord Chandra (Moon God), Lord Indra, and Lord Hanuman are also said to have worshipped at this shrine.
The temple is also traditionally associated with worship by Rama, Hanuman, Chandra, Indra, Agastya and Vishnu, among others.
Parigaram (Remedy)
For Surya Dosha: Devotees suffering from eye problems, heart ailments, or career setbacks related to Sun afflictions should offer red cloth, red lotuses, and wheat to the Lord. Worshipping on Sundays, especially during the early morning hours, is highly effective.
For Guru Dosha: To overcome obstacles in marriage (Kalyana Dosham), education, or childbearing, devotees offer yellow garments and garlands made of yellow chickpeas (Kondakadalai) to Lord Dakshinamurthy. Lighting ghee lamps on Thursdays is the standard ritual.
What to do when you visit
A meaningful worship sequence would be:
Vinayaka → Tiruvalleswarar → Jagadambikai → Bharadwaja-associated shrine → Guru Bhagavan → Surya → other shrines → Prasadam
Take time to see the Gajabrushta Vimana and the ancient architectural details.
The temple has shrines/images associated with Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, Anjaneyar, Somaskandar, Meenakshi-Sundareswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga and Surya, among others.
Before You Visit
Location dynamics: Padi is a heavily congested industrial and residential area in Chennai (near the Lucas TVS junction). Plan your travel keeping city traffic in mind.
Best Time: Sundays (for Sun worship) and Thursdays (for Jupiter worship) draw heavy crowds. If you prefer a quiet spiritual experience, visit on a Monday or Tuesday morning.
Items: You can purchase garlands, Kondakadalai (chickpeas), and other pooja items from the small stalls right outside the temple entrance.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
Rathasapthami: A grand Abhishekam and special pooja are performed for Surya Bhagavan on the auspicious day of Rathasapthami (the day celebrating the Sun God's chariot turning).
Guru Transit: Mega rituals and homams (fire sacrifices) are conducted during the transition of the planet Jupiter from one zodiac to another.
Pradosham: Bi-monthly Pradosham poojas to Nandi and Lord Shiva are conducted with immense grandeur.
Learn More
In Vedic astrology, Guru (Brihaspati) is the preceptor of the Gods. He represents expansion, wisdom, optimism, higher education, philosophy, and spirituality. While Mercury (Budha) represents raw intellect and primary schooling, Jupiter represents true wisdom, university-level education, morals, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. A strong Jupiter makes a person a good teacher, advisor, lawyer, or philosopher. He acts as a protective shield in a horoscope; it is said that "Guru's aspect (drishti) removes a million doshas" (Guru paarkka kodi nanmai).
Charity / Daana
Charity done on Thursdays yields the best results for strengthening Jupiter.
- Donate yellow-colored items like Turmeric, Chana Dal (Bengal gram), and bananas to the poor or to temples.
- Donating study materials, books, or paying school fees for underprivileged children is highly favored by Guru (as he is the planet of education).
- Feeding cows with bananas, jaggery, or soaked chana dal on Thursdays.
Key Facts
Favorable / Unfavorable Signs
Own House (Swakshetra - Moolatrikona): Sagittarius (Dhanus) and Pisces (Meena). Guru is highly comfortable and powerful here.
Exalted (Ucha): Cancer (Kataka). Here, Guru delivers maximum positive results and boundless wisdom.
Debilitated (Neecha): Capricorn (Makara). Guru is at his weakest here, requiring remedies to activate his positive traits.
Friendly Planets: Sun, Moon, Mars.
Enemy Planets: Mercury, Venus.
Festivals
Chithirai Brahmotsavam: A massive 10-day festival during April-May.
Thai Poosam & Rathasapthami: Celebrated grandly in January-February.
Mahashivaratri: All-night vigils and special poojas in February-March.
Navaratri & Skanda Sashti.
How to Reach
By Road: Located in Padi, near the famous Lucas TVS Junction. It is well-connected by MTC buses from CMBT, Anna Nagar, and Ambattur.
By Train: The nearest suburban railway stations are Korattur (approx. 2.5 km) and Villivakkam (approx. 3 km).
By Metro: Thirumangalam Metro Station is the closest (approx. 4 km). You can take an auto or share-auto from the metro station to the temple.
Nearby Temples
| Temple | Distance |
|---|---|
| Santhana Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Mogappair | 3.5 km |
| Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Koyambedu | 5 km |
| Tiruverkadu Karumariamman Temple | 11 km |
| Vadapalani Andavar (Murugan) Temple | 8 km |
Location Map
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Jyotishacharya S. Sermaraj M.B.A. · HinduPanchangam.in · 04 Sep 2026