Vajrakandeswarar Temple, Someswaram, Thanjavur
Vajrakandeswarar Temple is a Hindu
temple located at Someswaram on the Thiruvaiyaru-Kumbakonam route. The temple is dedicated to Shiva.
Legends
A demon, Vajran by name had a boon that he could be
killed only by an ordinary man without any standing in life. He
misused this boon and began to harass the Devas in the upper world and defeated
them when they fought against him. Responding to the prayers of the
Devas, Lord Shiva sent a devotee to the demon. The devotee fought
with the demon as a warrior and destroyed him. While dying, the
demon realized his arrogance and sought pardon from the Lord.
Merciful Lord pardoned him and stayed here itself as
begged by the demon. After the name of demon Vajran, the Lord is
called Vajrakandeswarar. As the devotee fought with such heroism,
the place is named Veeramangudi. Veeram in Tamil means heroism.
The Temple
There is no tower for the temple. Mother
Mangalambikai graces virgins with assured happy life and for the married
longevity to their Mangal Sutras. Mangalam in Tamil or Sanskrit
means everything auspicious. Hence, Mother is known as
Mangalambikai. Newly wedded couples worship Mother Mangalambikai
with Sari, turmeric, yellow threads and things related to Mangalas for a happy
married life.
Ananda Garudazhwar appears enjoying all bliss for his
status as the vehicle of Lord in the shrine of Lord Varadaraja gracing the
devotees in the prakara holding his discus, conch and offering all protection
showing his Abhayahastha, the symbol of protection. Worshipping Lord
Varadaraja ensures all happiness to devotees.
The Mango story that made Lord Muruga angry is beautifully
sculpted in front of Ambica shrine. The flying of Lord Muruga
angrily against his divine parents is very realistic. Mother
inviting the son to calm him down also is very realistic. Maharshi
Narada, the source of this event in Mount Kailash is nearby.
The Navagrahas-nine planets are on a peeta designed
hexagonally with their Vahanas and consorts. As the planets are with
their consorts, they will be merciful to the people, it is
believed. Sun God occupying the Centre Stage is on a Rath pulled by
seven horses. Those doing remedial worships on Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu
and Ketu transit days worship here with vastras and grains on such days and
time attributed to these planets. By experience, we can feel the
dilution of the intensity of adverse effects by such planet worships.
Lord Anukkai Vinayaka, Lord Muruga with his consorts
Valli and Deivanai and Chandikeswara are in prakara shrines.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from
4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Shivrathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in
October-November and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals of
the temple.
Prayers
Devotees seek the grace of the Lord for relief from
adverse effects caused by planetary aspects. People offer Vastras and grains to
Lord and Mother.
Contact
Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple,
Veeramangudi-613 204,
Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district
Phone: +91 94435 86453
Connectivity
Tiruvaiyaru is located at a distance of 12 kms from
Thanjavur. Proceeding from this place comes Someswaram on the Kumbakonam route (7
km), the visitor should get down at the Arch stop. The temple is 3 km from
Someswaram Arch bus stop. Auto facility is available.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Thanjavur &
Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.