Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Velukkudi, Thiruvarur
Rudrakoteeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Velukkudi village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Legends
Velvikudi:
Sage Vasishta was too sad. He thought that he had
committed some mistake in deciding the Muhurta - auspicious day and time - for
the coronation of Lord Sri Rama and was responsible for the events then. Though
all the Rishis consoled him saying that it was the Chakravaha bird that wrongly
pronounced the Mantras and caused sad results and there was no mistake on his
part. Yet Sage Vasishta was not satisfied. He felt that there was some deficit
in his penance and took on a pilgrimage to Shiva Sthalas.
Finally, he came to this place dense with gooseberry
trees. While he was about to leave the place, a divine voice said that it was
Sani Pradosham day and he should stay there and pray to Lord Shiva here. With
pleasant shock and surprise, Sage Vasishta bathed in the holy tank and decided
to chant the Rudra Mantra one crore times. He was relieved of the mental agony
haunting him for years. Lord Shiva appeared before the sage and granted
darshan.
Hearing this enlightening story of Vasishta and his
penance in the place, the king built this temple and praised the Lord as Rudra Kodeeswarar
and named the place as Velvi kudi where the sage performed his Yajna. It was
the aim of the king who built the temple and created this place that the sounds
of Vedas should ever be echoing in this holy place. He also wished that
yajnas be conducted for the welfare of the people.
He donated this place with necessary amenities to
some Brahmins-Vedic scholars. Yajna in Tamil means Velvi, hence the place
was named Velvikudi which later changed as Velukudi. Kings had donated
vast fertile lands and cattle for the revenues needed for the maintenance of
the temple and conduct of yajnas.
Chola
King Kulothunga cured of his leprosy:
Chola King Kulothunga was suffering from leprosy for a
long time. As advised by a divine voice, he came to this place, bathed in the
temple tank, prayed to Lord for five Pradosha days and got cured of the deadly
disease.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
This is a holy place where enlightened souls as Sages
Vasishta and Chandilya, Nandi Deva and Indra worshipped Lord Shiva.
The
Temple
Lord Rudra Kodeeswarar is facing a cremation ground in
the west. The place is facing west. In the place of Sanakathi Rishis at
the feet of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Sage Chandilya is at his feet. Mother
Komalambika is all merciful facing south with a trident in her hands. There are
shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga Dakshinamurthy and Mother Durga.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from
5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
The temple conducts special pujas on Pradosha days, with
special importance to the day falling on Saturdays – Sani Pradosham and
celebrates Maha Shivarathri grandly in February-March.
Prayers
Lord Rudra Kodeeswarar is facing a cremation ground in
the west. Those praying to Lord on five pradosha days, they are relieved
of worries and confusions in the family. The longevity of women’s Mangal
Sutra would be longer. The devotee would be relieved of all debts. Couples
separated would be blessed with happy reunion. Devotees perform abisheks to
Lord and Mother and offer Vastras.
Connectivity
Velukudi is 12 km far from Thiruvarur on the Mannargudi
road. From Mannargudi, the distance is 16 km. Bus facility is available. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Thiruvarur and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.
