Tamil Nadu’s heritage glory and cultural beauty are well-expressed in its marvellous temples. A multitude of temples and shrines of various Gods and Goddesses, Navagrahas, and spiritual Gurus can be found here at every step of the way. But did you know this ‘Temple City of India’ even has a temple for the deity of Chess? Yes! You heard it right! Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of its kind in the world, dedicated to the deity of Chess.
If this sounds exciting, then join us on this reading venture!
Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple – The Temple of the Chess God:
Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple is an ancient Lord Shiva Temple situated at Thirupoovanur in the Tiruvarur district in the state of Tamil Nadu. This strange yet mind-blowing temple represents the state’s historical connection to the game of Chess. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva of the temple, is known by the name Sathuranga Vallabhanathar, the Lord of Chess. He resides here with his consort Rajarajeswari, who is also a keen chess player. This is the 103rd Lord Shiva Temple situated on the southern bank of the Cauvery, praised in the Tevaram hymns.
Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple is believed to offer relief to people suffering from Asthma. The temple also houses a shrine for Goddess Chamundeswari. Devotees pray to Goddess Chamundeswari for a child boon, removal of delay in marriage, and a solution to financial problems.
History of Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple:
In ancient times, there lived a King named Vasudevan who ruled the Tirunelveli region. He and his wife, Gandhimati, were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Though the couple lived happily, they didn’t have a child. They visited several Shiva Temples, seeking a child boon.
The royal couple started fasting and worshipped Lord Shiva with utmost devotion at Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli. Pleased with their prayer and steadfast devotion, Lord Shiva made Goddess Parvathi their daughter and Goddess Chamundeswari, her nurse.
One day, while the couple were taking a bath in the River Thamirabarani, they found a conch lying in a lotus flower and floating towards them. As they picked up the conch, it became a girl child, all of a sudden. They named the child Rajarajeswari and showered her with their love and affection.
Growing up, Rajarajeswari became invincible in the game of Chess. Knowing her talent for the Chess game, King Vasudevan announced that he would marry her daughter off only to the man who would defeat her in the Chess game. But none could win her over.
It was then that Lord Shiva, disguised as an ascetic, challenged Rajarajeswari in Chess. He won the game and showed his true form, granting darshan to all. Rajarajeswari was then married to Lord Shiva, and the divine wedding took place with all its pomp and grandeur.
As Lord Shiva won the chess game, which is known as Sathurangam in the Tamil language, He came to be known as Sathuranga Vallabhanathar, the Lord of Chess. And thus, Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple came into being, dedicated to the Chess God, Sathuranga Vallabhanathar. His consort Rajarajeswari and her nurse Goddess Chamundeswari bless the devotees from their respective shrines. As per the temple records, Chess was played in Tamil Nadu even 1,500 years ago.
Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple Gaining Popularity Globally Amid Chess Olympiad:
The 44th edition of the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) Chess Olympiad, taking place in Mahabalipuram, has helped Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple gain popularity among devotees and Chess lovers. The temple is now witnessing an increased devotee footfall than ever before. The priests of the temple had even performed a special pooja for the Chess Olympiad to become a grand success.
The Chess Olympiad 2022 officially kicked off with a grand opening ceremony on July 28th 2022, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The matches will be held from July 29th to August 10th, 2022, at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre.
If you find this blog interesting, please let us know in the comments below.
Also, never miss the opportunity to visit Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple in Thirupoovanur on your next trip to Tamil Nadu.
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