Shiva Lingam and Parvati idols are usually found in different shrines in Shiva temples. But in this temple, instead of a Shivalinga, Swami is seen in the form of Ardhanarishwara. After Arunachalam, one can also visit Vishnumurthy in this temple which is recognized as a circumambulation temple.
Ardhanarishwara Temple is located on a high peak, with the architecture of the Lula period. Located on a hilltop called Nagagiri in Tiruchengode near Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, this temple has a history of two thousand years. The name of this temple is due to the fact that Swami was worshiped here as Ardhanarishwar and the decorations made here are also the same. Ardhanarishwarar statue is decorated with a dovat and a saree. Similarly, mangalsutras are also worn along with Rudrakshamas. Swami has a jatajuta on his head and a patti on his left leg.
Sthalapuranam:
According to Shiva Puranam... Once Vishnu, Brahma, Indra and Bhringi came together to visit Lord Shiva. Went to Kailasa. Vishnumurti, Brahma and Indra first bowed to Parvati before going to Lord Shiva... Bhringi directly worshiped Lord Parameshwar. Goddess Parvati got angry seeing that... and prevented Bhringi from directly worshiping the lord. Even so, Goddess Parvati couldn't bear Bhringi when he turned into an insect and worshiped the Lord and prepared to kill Bhringi. So Parame Swaru pacified the mother by saying that both of them are one and the same. It is believed that after that Parvati came to this place with the advice of Vishnumurthy and performed the Kedaragauri vrata and became half of Lord Shiva. Also there is an interesting story behind the name of the peak where this temple is located as Nagagiri. Once Adisesha and Vayudev had a little competition to know who was the greatest among them. Adisesha Meruparva is a part of it. He should climb and wrap himself, that Vayudev should stop the effort Competition, with Adisesha winning
The wind god got angry and stilled the wind Did it. Finally the gods provided
By appeasing the wind god. He left suddenly... With that Meruparvat was divided into three parts Mari fell on the ground.. in that This Nagagiri is also known as one. So this is Above Swami Ardhanarishwar is said to be Swayambhu Koluvudirada.
Giripradakshina is preferred:
There are about 1200 steps to reach the temple on top of Nagagiri peak. Also, there is a belief that one's wishes will be fulfilled if one circumambulates around this giri, which has an area of seven kilometers. That is why devotees show interest in circumambulating around Arunachalam on full moon tithus. Further, after seeing the form of Ardhanarishwar in the sanctum on top of the hill, the devotees worship Vishnumurthy and Sridevi- Bhudevi known as Adikesava Perumal. If the special pujas performed here in the month of Shivratri and Kartikam are included... the Rathotsava held in the month of Vaisakh is another. The ceremony of procession of Ardhanarishwar along with Ganesha, Murugan and Vishnumurthy idols in four different chariots is a feast for the eyes.
How to reach:
This temple is twenty kilometers away from Nama Kkal to Tiruchengode in Tamil Nadu. Those who want to come by plane can reach the temple from Tiruchirappalli or Coimbatore airport. Those who want to come by the same train or buses can get down at Namakkal Railway Station or Bus Station.