Thiru Vedikudi, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Tanjavoore

Thiru Vedikudi Temple: Lord Vedapureeswarar..



The place Thiru Vedikudi is about 7kms North to Tanjore on the banks of River Vettaru. This temple is one of the Devara sthalam. This temple is one of the Ezhoor temples visited by Lord Iyarappar of Thiruvaiaru, in the Tamil month of Chiittarai (April/ May).







The temple has Raja gopuram of three storey, and single prakaram.









Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is Veida teertham.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vedapureeswarar and his consort known as Mangayarkarasi Amman. Sun rays falls on 13,14 and 15 of tamil month Panguni (March/ April).















As we go round the prakaram deities seen in the temple are Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar, 108 Siva Lingam, Dakshina Moorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durgai, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Natarajar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Hanuman is seen at the feet of Him, Saptha Sthana Lingams.




Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Siva here hence the name Vedikudi for the place. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed. Vinayakar enjoys listening to chanting of Vedas; hence he is known as Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar / Veda Vinayakar. The temple Vimanama construction is of stones. Nandi is seen to four sides of Temple Vimanam, represting four Vedas. Ardhanareeswarar form here is unusual in this temple. Here Ambal is seen to the right side of Ardhanareeswarar who is seen as Koshta Deivam at the back of main sanctum.




Sthala purana says once Vedas were taken away from Brahma by the Asuras and it was hidden under the ocean. The Vedas were brought back by Lord Narayanar. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva to get rid of their Dosha of being with Asura. The Vedas were blessed by Lord Siva. On request of Vedas Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Vedapureeswarar.




Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva here. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.



Stone inscriptions of Rajakesri Varman and Koparakesari Varman period are seen in the temple they say the Lord is known as Thiru Vedikudi Mahadevar and Para kesari Chaturvedi mangala Mahadevar.

Thiruvakkarai Vakarakali Amman Temple.



The place is about 22 kms to south of Thindivanam on the banks of River Varaha.
This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Nadu Nadu.








Main entrance of the temple.









The Raja gopuram of the temple. There are three prakarams in the temple.









We see Dwajasthambam and Nandi which are not in straight line to Lord Siva of main sanctum.








Main Deity is in the form of Lingam known as Arulmigu Chandra Mouleeswarar is seen with three faces only here, in this temple and his consort known as Vadivambikai Amman. Face in the lingam which faces east is known as That purdam, the one facing north is known as Vamadevam and south facing face is known as Akora mukam to which there is teeth (Korai Parkal) seen out at the ends of mouth. This is visible only during the milk abishekam is performed to Lord Siva.





Vakra kali Amman sanctum is seen to a side near the main Raja Gopuram itself. Here in the temple Kali Matha is seen with eight hands with weapons. The garland is of skulls hanging from one shoulder in cross. Child skull is her earings.









Sthala purana says Samharam of Vakrasuran was done by Lord Vishnu. Dunmuki sister of Vakrasuran was pregnant. As per Dharma Sastra, Kali cannot kill a pregnant woman. Kali took the child from Durmuki womb and wore it as an ornament in her ear and then killed Dhunmuki. Kaali is known as Vakrakaali here and she was with furious temper, after killing Durmukhi. Acharyar Adi Sankarar installed Sri Chakkra on left leg of Kaali. She turned out to be Santha Swaroopam after this.




Opposite to Vakra Kaali temple we see Athma Lingam which is also known as Kanda Lingam which was worshipped Vakrasuran. It is said the Lingam is cool during summers and during rainy season water drops are seen on the top of Lingam.




Lord Murugan with twelve hands, is seen seated on Peacock along with Valli and Devani.









Kundalini Siddhar jeeva Samadhi is there within the temple premises.




There are many things contradictory to tradition. The temple tower, Dwajasthambam, Nandi and main deity Siva Lingam are not in straight line. They are from one another. The chakkra, which Varadarajar holding in his hand is different from usual one. Sani Bagavan Vahan crow is seen to left side of him instead of right side.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.Arunagitinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan.Here in the temple Stone inscriptions of First Aditya Cholan and Chembian Madevi is seen.

Thiru Edaiyaru, Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple. Vizhupuram.

Thiru Edaiyaru: Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple.




The place Edaiyaru is about 16 SE of Thiru Koiloore. The place is in-between River Malattaru and River Penna, hence the place is known as Edayaru.This place is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams




The place is known as Edayaru and the temple is known as Thiru Maruthanthurai.









The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers with single Prakaram facing west.









Teertham is Chitridai Teertham in the form of well. Sthala Vruksham is Marudham.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Marundeesar / Edaiyatru Nadhar with his consort known as Gyanaambikai Amman in standing posture is seen in separate sanctum.
















Other deities seen in the temple are Bala Ganapathy, Murugan, Durgai, Dakshina Moorthy, Nalwar, Saptha Kanniyar, Chandekesar, Navagraham, Agasthiyar and Suka Muni.





Bala Ganapathysanctum is seen in-betweem Lord Siva and Goddess Gyanambikaisanctum. NormallyLord Subramanya is seen in this form which is known as Somaskanda moortham. This is something unique. Bala Ganapathy is seen with four hands. He is holding Sweet and Jack fruit in his two upper hands and in one of the lower hand he is holding Sugarcane and the other one is in the the form of Abhaya Hastham.





Suka Muni, Brahma, Agasthiyar, Sundarar and Marai Gyana Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Agasthiya Muni installed a Siva Lingam and worshiped and he was blessed by Lord in this place. We see the Lingam worshiped by Agasthiya muni is known as Agasthiya Lingam. There is a sculpture of Sage Agasthiya in the temple. Lord Murugan of this place is known as Kaliyuga Ramapillayar. This is the birth place of Thiru Marai Gyana Sambandhar.










Sukabrahma Rishi worshiped Lord Siva in this place and attained Mukthi. We find Sukar statue under the Marudha Vruksham. We see lot of Parrots in the temple here.




Sthala Purana says A muni in the form of Parrot overheard Siva Rahyasam, while Lord Siva was preaching it Goddess Parvathy. The muni was cursed by Lord Siva to take birth on earth with parrot face. Muniworshiped Lord Siva and asked for solution to get out of the curse. Lord Siva said he would be born to Veda Vyasa as his child and asked him to worship him at Thiru Marundhurai/ Edaiyaru under the Marudha Vruksham. The Muni had the face of Parrot and hr performed penance as told by Lord Siva under the Marudha Vruksham of Edaiyaru. He learnt about Brahamam and attained Mukthi. Hence he was known as Sukhabrahama Rishi.There are about 18 Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.




Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Brahma pureeswarar / Kolilinadhar Temple: Thiru kuvalai, Nagapattinam District.

Brahma pureeswarar / Kolilinadhar Temple: Thiru kuvalai.



The place Thiru kuvalai is about 19 kms from Thiruvarore to Ettukudi, This place is about 13 kms from Thiruthurai poondy to Ettukudi (via) Kacchanam.







The temple is One of Siva Devara Sthalam and One of Saptha Vidanga Sthalam known as Avani Vidangar. The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers, and two prakaram.



Main Deity of the temple is Swayambu Lingam of white sand known as Brahma pureeswara and his consort known as Vandamar Poongkuzhal ammai / Brahma kujalambikai in separate sanctum. Siva lingam is seen with kavacham.


Vinayakar is known a Thyaga vinayakar. There is Siva Lingam seen in-betwen Lord Siva sanctum and Amman sanctum which was worshiped by Agasthiyar. Here we se Navagraham in a straight line.







Sthala vruksham is Totha Vruksham.






Teerthaam is Brahma Pushkarani.



Purana says Brahma worshiped Lord Siva and made a pushkarani which is known as Brahma teertham. Once Brahma lie, told Lord Siva that he has seen the Thirumudi (head) of Lord Siva. So he was cursed, and was unable to perform the creation work assigned to him. Due to this confusion even the Graha’s were not in a position to function properly. To set right everything Brahma dug a pushkarani and made a Siva Lingam. He worshiped Siva Lingam here and hence Lord Siva is known as Brahma pureeswaar.


Importance of the temple is the place is one of Saptha Vidanga Sthalam known as Avani Vidangar. Beema worshiped Lord Siva of Thiru kuvalai to get rid of his Brahmahathi Dosham. Sundarar worshiped and sang hymns on Lord Siva, for manual power, to get his paddy (which was like a mountain) transported to Paravayar palace at Thiruvaroore.




Brahma, Agathiyar, Pancha Pandvas, Musukunda Chakkravarhy, and Navgraha’s worshiped Brahma pureewarar of this temple.


Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Thiru Navukkarasar, and Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva. Stone inscriptions of Chola and Pandya period are found.

Valivalam temple, of Nagapattinam District

Valivalam temple, of Nagapattinam District :








This is one of 275 Siva Devra sthalam. The place vlivalam is about sixteen kms to South east of Thiruvarore.








The temple is a Madak koil built by Cochengat Cholan. In this temple Vinayakar is Valampuri Vinayakar.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Manathunai Nadhar / Edaya kamala Nadhar and his consort known as Madyaayadatshi / Maazhiyun Kanni Ammai.









Sthala vruksham is Punnai.









Teertham known as Chakkra Teertham and Karanar gangai in this temple.



Importance is Karikuruvi (black sparrow), Sooryan, and Karana muni worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed by him.



Purana says due to karma done in his past life, a person took birth of Karikuruvi (black sparrow). Once it got hurt by a strong big bird chasing it. The sparrow took shelter on a tree where a sage was preaching, to his disciples about the place Madurai. He said Madurai city is best one, Potramari Pushkarani in Mdurai temple is good one and Main deity Chokka Nadhar of Temple is the best among all.




The sparrow was hearing to Siva yogi’s preaching to his disciples. He said Lord Somasundarar is generous in blessing the devotees who worship Him. Sparrow got wisdom hearing the words of saga and it came to know about the previous birth.



The sparrow flew to Madurai city and had a dip in the pushkarani and worshiped Lord Siva in the sanctum. This was going on for few days. Finally one day Lord Siva was pleased and preached Mruthunjaya Mantra to the sparrow. The sparrow was enlightened by the Upadesam. Sparrow requested Lord Siva to bless him with enough strength to withstand attack of other birds. Lord Siva blessed so and the sparrow was known as Valiaan. The Karikuruvi lineage was blessed with strength. One of the sparrow (Valian) belonging to the family worshiped Lord Siva of this temple and the place came to be known as “Valivalam”



Thiru Navukkarasar, Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Sundarar sang Hymns on lord Siva of this temple. Arunagiri Nadhar sang thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here.Stone inscriptions of 2nd Kulothungan, 3rd Rajendran, and Sundra pandiyan period is seen in the temple.

Thiru Vilvaranyeswarar, Thiru Kalambur, Nannilam.

Sri Vilvaranyeswarar temple, Thiru kalambur.



The place Thiru Kalambur is about six Kms from Thiru Kudavasal. The place is also known as Brahma Vanam, Kandeepa Vanam and Panchakra puram on the banks of River Vettaru.



This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The main Raja Gopuram is of five storey with two Prakaram.






Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vilwaranyeswarar and his consort known as Soundra Nayaki Amman. Teertham is Brahma teertham in front of the temple and Sthala Vruksham known as Vilvam.




Other Deties seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram is Poiaadha Vinayakar, Murugan, Adi Vilvanadhar, Pancha Lingam and Gaja Lakshmi sanctums.
Agsthiyar, Arjuna and Brahma worshipped Lord Siva of this place.



Sthala Purna says when Thiru Gyana Sambandhar visited the temple the River Vettaru was full of water flowing due to storm. No boat man was there to cross him across the river to reach the temple. “Sambandhar” asked his companions to remove one of the boats which were kept safe on the banks. They all sat in the boat and Gyana Sambandhar sung hymns on Lord Siva and they reached other bank and reached the temple. Even today the day is celebrated every year.



Stone inscriptions to the period of 3rd Kulothangan and 3rd Raja raja Cholan say Lord Siva is Thiru Kollam Boodhudayar and Amman as Azhagiya Nachiyar.

[Hymns][Kadamba Vanam][Kandeepa Vanam]

Thiru Maakalanadhar temple, Koil Thiru Maagalam, Thiruvarore.

Koil Thiru Maagalam:



The place Thiru Maagalam is about 4 kms south of Peralam, of Thiruvarore District.



The temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The main Raja gopuram is of five storeys with two prakarams facing east.







Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Maakalanadhar and his consort known as Achamtavirtha Nayaki.



Tertham is Maagla Teertham and Sthala Vruksham is Marudha maram.



We see sanctums of Achamtavirtha Vinayakar, Murugan, Kaali, Thyagesar, Naga kannigai, Nayanmars, Madhanga Muni, Subramanyar, Maha Lakshmi, Durgai and Chandekesar.



Kali worshiped Lord Siva in this place, hence the place is known as Maaglam. “Madhanga muni” worshiped Lord Siva in this place. He was blessed to have “Umadevi”as his daughter. “Somasi Nayanar” performed a yaga here in this place. Lord Siva was pleased and appeared in person to have the havirbagam and blessed him.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar have made a mention about the place in their hymns.



Stone inscriptions of 1st Kulothungan and Vikrama Cholan period are seen in the temple.

Vadakadu / Koiloor temple, Thiruthuri poondy

Vadakadu / Koiloore



The place Vadakadu is about three kms to north of Mutthupettai. Now the place is known as Koiloor. This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.


Renovation work is going on in the temple. The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five storeys with two prakaram. There is a mandapam outside the temple premises with beautiful sculptures








Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Mantharapureeswarar which is white in colour and his known as Perriyanayaki Amman.








Teertham of the temple is Hanuman, Markandeya and Gowthama teertham and sthala Vruksham is Mango tree. Vinayakar is known as Suthavana Vinayakar and we see Jurahareswarar as we go around the prakaram.




Sthala purana says “Ramar, Hanuman, Sugreeva and Lakshmana” worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Sri Rama had Manthra Upadesam from Lord Siva of this place, hence the name “Manthrapureeswarar” for Lord Siva here. Sri Rama discussed about constructing bridge over sea, with Lord Siva here, hence the place is known as “Usathanam.”



Viswamithrar had darshan of Lord Siva’s dance here. Varunan was cured of leprosy and blessed by Lord Siva here in Vdakadu. Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva in this place after having a dip in the Yama Teertham which was dug by him. When Yama tried to catch Markandeya, impressions formed on his body. This was cleared when Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva here.



Adiseshan worshiped Lord Siva here. When Garuda was flying with Amudha Kalasam drop of nectar fell on Siva Lingam here, which turned out to white in colour says sthala purana.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Stone inscriptions belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola Devar, Sundara Pandiyan, 3rd Rajendra Cholan, 3rd Kulothunga cholan are there.



[Markendeya][Amudha Kalasam][Garuda][Manthra Upadesam][Nectar][Stone inscriptions]