Vilwanatheswarar Temple, also known as Bilvanathesvara Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Thiruvalam village in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district. Here, Shiva is venerated as Vilwanatheswarar through the symbolic lingam, accompanied by his consort, Parvati, as Vallambigai. This temple holds significance in Tamil Saiva literature, particularly the 7th-century Tevaram hymns penned by Nayanar saint poets, which classify it as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of Shiva's sacred abodes.
The temple spans approximately an acre, accessible via a five-tiered gopuram, the main gateway to the complex. Numerous shrines are present within, with the prominent ones being those of Vilwanatheswarar and Vallambigai. Encircled by robust granite walls, the temple showcases inscriptions from the 8th century, notably from the Nandivarman II era, with the north wall featuring an early mention of the Tevaram singers. Many sections of the temple date to the Chola dynasty, while the current masonry was built by the Nayaks in the 16th century.
According to legends, the name Thiruvalam originated from an event involving Shiva’s sons, Vinayaga and Muruga, who competed for a sacred mango. Vinayaga circled his parents, declaring them his world, thus gaining the fruit. Another legend speaks of a giant, Kanja, who troubled a temple priest fetching water daily from Kanjan Mountain. Shiva dispatched his bull Nandi to protect the priest, adding divine tales to the temple's lore.
Thiruvalam is believed to have been a dense forest of Vilva trees, with legends describing a termite hill that transformed into a lingam through a miraculous event involving a cow. Known as Theekali Vallam in ancient inscriptions, the temple has been referenced in various eras, with 15th-century poet Arunagirinathar calling it Thiruvalam and revering the deity as Thiruvallam Udaiyar. Today, the temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, with daily rituals and prominent festivals like Brahmotsavam celebrated each year.