Arthanareeswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple known for its unique manifestation of Half Male Half Female Lord Arthanaareeswarar (Shiva). The temple is situated on a hill near Tiruchengode in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu 120 km northeast of Coimbatore. The main deity is also known as Ardhanareeswarar.
There is a water spring at the foot of the image, which is said to have been divinely manifested "Uli Padaa Uruva". The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Lord Arthanareeswarar has a unique form here, which combines half male and half female form.
The lord is also known as Madhorubagan and Ammayappan. It is claimed that this rare posture of the Lord as prime deity can be found only in this temple in the whole of Asia.
The hill top temple can be reached by climbing up 1206 steps, made of stone. Lord Arthanareeswarar is giving salvation to all souls, from the hill top temple. Lord Sengottuvelavar and Lord Adhikesava Perumal in separate shrines as presiding deities. Of the many forms of Lord Shiva, Arthanareeswara belong to Satyo Jatham facing west.
Devotees worshipping Arthanareeswara reap the benefits they desire in this birth and also in that to come. As worshipping this Shivalinga would amount to joint worshipping of Shiva and Shakti, the Lord of the temple is called Arthanareeswarar.
