Arulmigu Thiru Arthanāreeswarā Temple, also known as Thirukodimāda Chenkundrūr, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu. This revered temple is dedicated to Arthanāreeswarā, a unique form of Lord Shiva, combining the divine aspects of Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple also bears the names "Umayorubāgan," "Mādhorubāgan," and "Ammaiyappan," highlighting its cultural significance. The Chenkottu Velavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, shares the same hill, along with a separate Ucchi Pillaiyar Vinayaka shrine.
This historic temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in Thevaram hymns by revered Saivite saints like Thirugnanasambandar and Arunagirinathar. It is even mentioned in Silapathikaram as 'Neduvelkundru,' marking its prominence in Tamil literature. The temple also gained fame through the composition "Arthanāreeshwaram" by Muttuswami Dikshitar, set in the raga Kumudakriya. Over centuries, the Chola, Pandya, and Nayak kings made notable renovations, later followed by British officer Davis, whose image is seen in the Mukkoottu Vinayagar shrine.
According to legend, Parvati performed austerities at the temple as instructed by Adi Kesava Perumāl, a form of Vishnu, to unite with Shiva in the half-male, half-female form as Ardhanareeswarar. Another tale speaks of a conflict between the wind-god Vayu and the serpent Adishesha, resulting in the formation of the Chengodu hill. This mystical history is depicted by a 60-foot-long serpent carved into the hill, and the mountain itself is often called Nagamalai due to its serpent association.
The temple is home to a rare Margatha (emerald) Lingam, displayed for darshan only in the early morning hours during the Tamil month of Margali, from 3:30 to 7:00 a.m., as well as during the daily Ucchi Kala Poojai. The temple’s administration is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu, preserving its sacred legacy and ensuring devotees continue to experience its spiritual heritage.