The Lord of Wisdom

ON THE north bank of the river Cauvery, in Uttara Mayuram is situated this small lovely temple, familiarly known as Vallalar Koil. The main gopuram of this Vallalar Temple dedicated to Sri Vathanyeswarar faces West. The Goddess goes by the name of Gnanambikai and her sannidhi faces South. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess and though small, it is attractive and well proportioned.

On the Southern side of the sanctum sanctorum is situated the sannidhi of Lord Medha Dakshinamurthi. The Lord is seen sitting in yogasana with the right hand in Gnana Mudhra and the left holding a book.

The unique feature of this Medha Dakhinamurthi is that he is seated on the Nandhi. There is the banyan tree behind and there is also a stone Nandhi in front of him.

The tank adjoining the temple goes by the name of Gnanamrutha Saras. It also goes by the name Pancha Brahma Theertham. The Lord goes by the name of Vallalar or Vathanyeswarar. Vallalar means one who gives abundantly to His devotee. Here the Lord is known as Kai Kaattum Vallalar - the Lord who shows His hand. Chin Mudhra represents Gnanam or wisdom and the Lord demonstrates the Chin Mudhra with His right hand in the form offering Upadesam.

Every year, in the month of Karthigai, Maha Abhishekam is done to the Lord by the Medha Dakshinamurthi Mahabhisheka Association. Special abhishekams and aradhanas are performed when the planet Guru moves from one zodiac sign to the other. This year the puja rituals will start on June 17. (Devotees may get in touch with the Management, Arulmighu Sri Medha Dakshinamurthi Temple, Gurusthalam, Dharmapura Adheenam, Vallalar Koil, Mayiladuthurai, 609001.)Sri Guru Maha Sannidhanam of Dharmapuram takes part in these celebrations.

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