History of the place

During the days of Saivite saints Appar, Gnansambandar and Sundarar, the place was known as Pazhamalai in Tamil. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here first only in the form of this mount and other mounts came into being only later, according to scriptures. Sage Vibasithu had a dip in the Manimutharu rive and undertook the renovation of this temple. He gave the workers the leaves of the Vanni tree which later changed into coins, is a story believed by generations of devotees. The Vanni tree is 1700 year old, say researchers. Sundarar passed through this place without singing the glory of the Lord. He was stopped by the Lord, made him sing and gifted 12,000 gold coins and placed it in Manimuthrau River and directed him to collect it from the temple tank in Thiruvarur, according to Sthalapurana.Vruddha means "ancient". Achalam means "hill". Vruddhachalam means an "ancient hill".

Saints who worshiped

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. This temple is the 220th among the 274 Devara Sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

Lord Shiva here is Swayambumurthy. Lord Muruga installed 28 Shivalingas representing the 28 Agamas (branches) and this temple is praised as Agama Temple. Lord Muruga here is in standing posture with chakras above Him promising to fulfill the wishes of the devotees. Saint Arunagirinadar had sung 10 Thirupugazh hymns on Lord Muruga of this temple. The Azhaththu Vinayagar shrine here is the second Padai veedu for Lord Vinayaka. This temple is one of the 4 most important Shiva temples out of the 1008 famous Shiva temples.

Pariharam

People pray for mental peace and relief from any ailments. Mother Durga graces the devotee with wedding boon. Worship to Kala Bhairava during Raghu Kala on Sundays for removal of hardships attacking them.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform abhishekam with herbals and offer vastras.