Vilwanatheswarar Temple

Vilwanatheswarar Temple stands in Thiruvalam, a village in Vellore district, where Shiva is worshipped as a lingam with his consort Vallambigai; the temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. The village takes its name from the legend of the mango: Shiva promised the fruit to whichever son went round the world three times, and Vinayaka won by simply circling his parents. Valam, Tamil for going round, is said to have happened here. Another story tells of a giant named Kanja who harassed the temple priest until Shiva sent Nandi to guard him.

Unlike most Shiva temples, the Nandi here faces away from the sanctum. Features include a Vinayaka holding a mango in his trunk, a doorkeeper shown dancing with a raised hand, and the Pathaleswarar shrine with its lingam below ground. Inscriptions run from the reign of Nandivarman II in the 8th century, and one on the north wall is among the earliest to mention the Tevaram singers. The Brahmotsavam in February–March is the main festival.