Thiruthaleeshwarar Temple, Aranvoyal, Thiruvallur

Thiruthaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Aranvoyal in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiruthaleeshwarar and Mother is called as Maragadambikai. This temple was built by the Pallava Ruler Nandhivarman II almost 1200 years back. This temple has the reputation of relief of Naga Doshas of devotees who seek the blessings of the Lord.

It is believed that the temple was originally built during the Pallava period by the Pallava Ruler Nandhivarman II almost 1200 years back and later renovated during the Chola period. Aditya Chola period inscriptions are also found in the temple.

This is a south facing temple with 5 tiered newly built Rajagopuram. The ancient temple has been renovated recently and looks more like a modern day temple. The temple is situated in a sprawling area of 14 acres of which 7 acres (approx.) is occupied by the holy temple tank. The temple has a built up area of around 5000 sq. ft. At the entrance of the temple, an old idol of Ganesha is found, which looks attractive.

The east facing sanctum enshrines a small Shiva Lingam called as Thiruthaleeshwarar. The bali peetha, flag staff and Nandi mandap are found facing towards the sanctum. The sculptures of Ganapati, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found as the niche idols. Chandikeswara is found in his usual location. The sanctum is built as per the Gajabrushta architectural style.

There is a separate south facing shrine for the Goddess Maragadambikai. The temple has many pillars with beautiful sculptures. The prakara has the sub shrines of Ganesha, Kartikeya with Valli and Devasena, Vishalakshi and Vishwanathar, Nataraja-Sivakami, Meenakshi-Chokkanathar, Somaskanda Murti and of Utsava idols such as Uma, Chandrasekhar, Ganesha and Murugan with his two consorts.

The idols of Surya, Chandra, Manickavasagar and Bhairava are also found in the prakaram. There is a special shrine where Vishnu is found along with Lakshmi on his lap. He is called as Bhoga Murti. One can also see a lot of inscriptions and markings on the temple walls. There is an image of Lord Vishnu in the open fields in this Village. An image of a Consort of Lord Vishnu was also present nearby.