Aazhi Kandeeswarar Temple, Idaikattoor, Sivaganga
Aazhi
Kandeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Idaikattoor in
Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Aazhi
Kandeeswarar (Manikandeeswarar) and Mother is called as Soundarya Nayaki. Thala
Vriksham is Vilwa Tree and Theertham is Vaigai River. Agamam of this Temple is
Sivagama.
Idaikattur
is a quiet village away from rushing highways, yet quickly reachable from
Madurai (30 km). It is a holy land where famed Siddhar Idaikaadar lived and hosted Navagrahas during a
famine. A small navagraha temple stands there as a testimony. Rajinikanth used
to visit and worship this temple every year.
Legends
Idaikadar
was born to Nanda and Yasodha in this holy land. His was a life between
(Idai in Tamil) married and asceticism. Hence, he came to known as
Idaikadar. He installed a Shivalinga here & performed Shiva Puja
rigorously. He became a Siddha and merged with the Lord by his grace. This
temple is a monument telling Siddha’s life.
Once,
the Navagrahas the nine planets took different positions causing a severe
famine. Idaikadar, who foresaw this situation earlier, trained his sheep
to eat a plant called Erukku which is prevented for consumption by cattle due
to its poisonous content. They became immune to the content. He thus managed
the drought situation. Knowing the plan of Idaikadar, the planets called
on him. Idaikadar extended all hospitality to them.
After
the lunch, the planets relaxed for some time. Using this time, Idaikadar
changed their positions. It began to rain immediately. The famine
came to an end giving way to prosperity. Planets were happy to accept
their new positions as Idaikadar did it with noble intentions. Based on this
event, mentioned in the biography of the Siddha, a new temple exclusively for
the planets was built here.
Idaikadar
Siddha had authored a Venba, a Tamil poetic literary form telling the planetary
effects for each of the sixty Tamil Years. He has foretold the effects of
Vehudanya year in this book. Special pujas are performed to Idaikadar on
Arudra – Tiruvadhirai star day.
The
Temple
The
temple is on the northern bank of Vaigai River. Lord Shiva in the temple
assesses the deep mind (Aazh Manam in Tamil) of the devotees and graces them, hence
named Aazhi Kandeeswara. He is also praised as Manikandeeswarar.
Mother Soundarya Nayaki graces from a separate shrine.
Between
the shrines of Lord and Mother is the shrine of Balasubramanya (Muruga) in the
Somaskanda form. Though this is a Shiva temple, festivals are dedicated to
Lord Muruga alone here. It is said that this is followed as the temple is
in Somaskanda form.
Devotees
of Lord Muruga carry Kavadis and walk on fire pit-Pookuzhi. Muruga comes in
procession with Mothers Valli and Deivanai on Kruthika star days. Special
pujas are performed to Lord Muruga on the first day of each Tamil month. While
generally Moonjuru – belonging to rat family- is before Lord Vinayaka as his Vahana,
Elephant occupies this pride in this temple.
As a
tradition, the shrine for Navagraha-9 planets is on the northeastern side in
Shiva temples. It is at the border of this place on the northeastern side as
separate temple. Sage Idaikadar appears in a penance posture.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
10 day
Panguni Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the temple in March – April. Maha
Shivrathri in February – March and Panguni Uthiram in March – April are the
festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees
facing wedding problems and concerned with the welfare of the children pray to
Lord and Mother and Lord Balasubramania (Muruga) performing special pujas.
Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.
Contact
Sri
Aazhi Kandeeswarar Temple,
Idaikattoor-630
602,
Sivaganga
District
Mobile: +91- 94438 33300
Connectivity
Idaikattoor
is on Madurai - Rameswaram road. People have to get down at Muthanendal stop
(35 km from Madurai) and take the road on the left. The temple is 1 km from
here. Auto facility is available at Muthanendal. Nearest Railway Station
is located at Manamadurai and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.