Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal: The Seven Emerald Lingam Temples of Lord Siva

Discover the sacred legend and spiritual allure of the Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal—the seven temples sanctified by the installation of maragatha (emerald) Lingams by King Muchukunda Chakravarti. These temples, all Paadal Petra Sthalams, are located in Tamil Nadu’s ancient heartland and celebrate a unique facet of Shaivite worship, focused on the rare and mystical maragatha Lingams.

What Is a Maragatha Lingam and Why Is It Special?

Maragatham means emerald: a gemstone treasured for its brilliance and divine association with Lord Siva. In select Siva temples, the maragatha Lingam holds a place of special reverence, often worshipped during daily pujas and important festivals. Occasionally, you also find magnificent maragatha icons—like the 6-foot tall Natarajar at the Mangalanathar Temple, Utirakosamangai.

The maragatha Lingams at the Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal are even more extraordinary, believed to be Vitanga or “not chiseled”—formed naturally, with both the banam and avudai in perfect harmony. “Vitanga” also refers to “moving” or “dancing,” alluding to the dynamic energy in these shrines.

The Legend of King Muchukunda Chakravarti

The origin of these temples ties back to a captivating legend. The story begins with a monkey unwittingly celebrating Mahasivaratri by dropping leaves onto a Siva Lingam all night to stay awake and avoid a tiger. Blessed by Siva, the monkey is reborn as Muchukunda Chakravarti, a valiant king with a monkey’s face, known for his devotion and valor.

Muchukunda Chakravarti’s pivotal moment arrives when he assists Indra in defeating a demon. As his reward, he requests the divine Vitanga Lingam. Indra, reluctant to part with the sacred object, tries to trick him by creating six replicas, but with Siva’s help, Muchukunda correctly identifies the real one. Pleased, Indra bestows all seven Lingams upon him, which the king enshrines at seven different temples—a tradition alive to this day.

The Seven Sapta Vitanga Temples and Their Legendary Dance Forms

Each Vitanga Lingam temple is paired with a distinct form of Siva’s cosmic dance, known as nadanam. Here are the legendary Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal:

Temple Name	Nadanam (Dance Form)	Key Details & Link
Tiruvarur – Veedhi Vitangar	Ajapa Nadanam (dance without chanting)	Siva dances silently on Vishnu’s chest
Tirunallar – Nagaradangar	Unmatha Nadanam (dance of intoxication)	Second of the Vitanga temples
Nagapattinam – Sundara Vitangar	Villathi Nadanam (dance like sea waves)	Sea-themed cosmic dance
Tirukkaravasal – Aadi Vitangar	Kukuta Nadanam (dance like a cockerel)	Dynamic bird-like dance
Tirukkuvalai – Avani Vitangar	Bringa Nadanam (dance like a bee)	Siva as the joyful, hovering bee
Tiruvaimoor – Nila Vitangar	Kamala Nadanam (dance like a lotus)	Siva’s movements echoing a lotus in the breeze
Vedaranyam – Bhuvani Vitangar	Hamsapadha Nadanam (dance like a swan)	Dance graced by the elegance of a swan

Each temple holds immense antiquity, and in all these places, the maragatha Lingam is small, housed in a special casket, and often only displayed for worship on select days or through special request.

Worship, Rituals, and Pilgrimage

• The maragatha Lingam, due to its rarity and grandeur, is revered as a direct representation of Lord Siva.
• In temple processions, the utsava murti is moved slowly, imitating a cosmic dance—never in haste—emphasizing the Vitanga (“moving/dancing”) aspect.
• Devotees believe that praying at any of the Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal assures spiritual merit and, according to tradition, even heaven after death.

Explore More: Sacred Sites and Spiritual Journeys

• All seven temples are also classified as Paadal Petra Sthalams, hymned by the Nayanmars, adding another layer of ancient sanctity.
• Uncover detailed stories, travel tips, worship schedules, and architectural marvels connected to these mystical shrines, only on tntemplesproject.in.

Visit the Mangalanathar Temple at Utirakosamangai to witness the awe-inspiring maragatha Nataraja, and expand your pilgrimage to the seven Sapta Vitanga Sthalangal for a transformational spiritual experience.

Begin your emerald-lit journey to the ancient heart of Tamil Saivism on tntemplesproject.in.