Chennai: The sthala vriksham, which is a large banyan tree, behind the sanctum on the northeast of the Chola-era Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple, Thiruvalangadu, near here caught fire on Wednesday night mu-ch to the shock of temple authorities and devotees.
The fire was noticed late evening hours and fire tenders from Arakkonam, Perumbakkam, Tiruttani and Tiruvallur rushed to the temple to douse the flames.
This incident occurred days after the Friday’s fire mishap in Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple, Madurai, which gutted about 40 shops.
The Sri Vadaranyeswarar temple is known for its architectural splendour and legends associated with Mallikarjuna.
The main deity is Vadaranye-swarar and the Lord’s consort is Vandarkuzhali Amman. The sthala vriksham is a large banyan tree located behind the sanctum on the northeast.
It is here at this temple that Lord Shiva requested the great Karaikkal Ammaiyar (Peyar) to undertake a marathon walk to Mount Kailash on her hands and be an omnipresent witness to his cosmic dance.
The shrine’s importance is enhanced by the mystic location at what was once a forest of banyan trees. The temple also sports a large tank as well.
Shivraathri (during Makara) and Thiruvadirai (during Dhanur) festivals are celebrated in a grand manner in this temple.
