Vazhikaraiyan Temple,
Vazhuvur, Mayiladuthurai
Vazhikaraiyan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra located in Vazhuvur Village near Mayiladuthurai in Kuthalam Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Veera Chozhan River. Vazhuvur is considered as the birthplace of Sastha.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/vazhikaraiyan-temple-vazhuvur-legends.html
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. The sanctum
enshrines a stucco image of the presiding deity, Veerabhadra, in sitting
posture. He is also called as Vazhi Thunayan / Vazhi Karaiyan (an escort in
journeys) in Tamil. Normally, Bhairava has the dog mount, but here Veerabhadra
has it. Lord Sastha is considered as son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the
Mohini Avathara. As Lord Veerabhadra came here to protect Sastha, he is sported
with Nama (the Vishnu symbol) in his forehead and sacred ash (Viboothi)
associated with Lord Shiva is given as prasad for the devotees.
There is also a shrine for another Veerabadra in a
standing posture. There is a separate shrine for Bala Sastha in the temple
premises. Idols of Vinayaka, Chandikeswara and Agora Veeerabadhra can be seen
in the front Mandapam of Bala Sastha shrine. There are shrines for guardian
deities Thoondiveeran, Vagaiadiyan, Ladasannasi, Uthandarayar and Betharanaswami
in the temple premises.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 5.30 AM to 6.30 PM. On
Tuesdays and Fridays, the temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Festivals
10 days Masi festival (Feb-Mar) is the famous festival
celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.
Prayers
Parents pray for the safety, health and educational
progress of their children. Devotees perform special abishek to Lord with sweet
pudding nivedhana.
Contact
Vazhikaraiyan Temple,
Vazhuvur – 609 401,
Kuthalam Taluk,
Nagapattinam District
Phone: +91 4364 253 227
Connectivity
The Temple is situated on the
Mayiladuthurai – Manganallur Bus route. Devotees need to get down at Neikuppai
Vazhuvur Kaikatty Bus stop near Elanthangudi. The temple is situated at about 1
Km from this Bus stop. Auto facility is also available from this Bus stop. It
can also be reached from Kumbakonam via Aduthurai, Komal and Peralam.