Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple  is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kodiakadu Village near Kodiakkarai in in Vedaranyam Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is also called as Amirthakadeswarar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Amirthakadeswarar / Kodi Kuzhagar / Kuzhakeswarar and Mother is called as Anjanakshi / Maithadanganni. This Temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram hymns. This Temple is the 244^th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 127^th sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung Thirupugazh hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/10/kodi-kuzhagar-temple-kodiakkarai.html

History

The Temple might have been in existence from 6th century CE as it finds mention in Devaram hymns. The Temple was reconstructed completely in granite in 10th century CE. Inscriptions belonged to Aditya Chola I (871–907 CE), Parantaka Chola I (907–955), Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE), Rajendra Chola I (1012–1044 CE), Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE), Rajaraja Chola III (1216–1246 CE), Rajendra Chola III (1246–1279 CE), Jadavarman Sundara Pandya (1250–1268 CE) and Jadavarman Parakrama Pandya (1169–1177) can be seen in this temple. Most of the inscriptions records various grants and renovation activities to the temple. The Temple also received extensive patronage from the Pandyas and Nayak Kings. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/10/kodi-kuzhagar-temple-kodiakkarai_24.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 09.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 06.00 PM.

Worship Practices & Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/10/kodi-kuzhagar-temple-kodiakkarai_83.html

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/kodi-kuzhagar-temple-kodiakkarai-literary-mention.html

Prayers

Devotees pray to Lord Shiva for wedding, child boon and for excellence in education. People pray to Amrita Subramanya for longevity. Taking a holy dip in Kodiyakarai beach is equivalent in taking hundred holy dip in Sethu beach. People throng the beach for holy bath during Thai and Aadi Amavasya days. It is considered sacred to bathe in the sea here during the Uttharayana and Dakshinayana transition. 

Contact

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple,

Kodiakadu – 614 821

Vedaranyam Taluk,

Nagapattinam District

Phone: +91 4369 272 470

Mobile: +91 94866 05349 / 94860 44942

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kodiyakarai, 10 Kms from Vedaranyam, 10 Kms from Vedaranyam Railway Station, 10 Kms from Vedaranyam Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 58 Kms from Nagapattinam and 168 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Vedaranyam to Kodiyakarai route. Vehicles are checked by police for security reasons and allowed to proceed after noting the vehicle registration number. Bus facility is also available from Vedaranyam.  

Location

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – The Temple

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with seven tiered rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Nandi can be seen immediately after the rajagopuram, facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and a sixteen pillared mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Amirthakadeswarar / Kodi Kuzhagar / Kuzhakeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Anjanakshi / Maithadanganni. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in mukha mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for goddess Kaadu Kizhal in the mukha mandapam. Kaadu Kizhal is considered as the guardian deity of the Kodiakadu forests. Idol of Kuzhaga Munivar can be seen in the maha mandapam.

There is a shrine for Amrita Subramanya in the western prakaram. He is six armed. He holds amrita kalasa, neelotpava, vajra, padma, vel and shows abhaya hastha. The Thiruvasi and Murugan with his mount peacock are made from single stone. The peacock is facing towards north. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung Thirupugazh hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple. Shrines of Amirtha Vinayagar, Suryan, Chandran and Ganapathy Lingam can be seen in the temple premises.

In Navagrahas shrine, Navagrahas are placed in a straight line facing the same direction against the traditional pattern of being in a circular form facing different directions. Theerthams associated with this temple are Rudra Theertham / Agni Theertham and Amirtha Theertham. Agni Theertham is the nearby sea located at about 3 Kms from the temple. Amirtha Theertham is a well situated in the prakaram. Sthala Vrikshams are Kura Maram, Vilwam and Kongu Trees.

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Worship Practices & Festivals

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Worship Practices & Festivals

Worship Practices:

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m.

Each ritual comprises four steps: Abhishekam (sacred bath), Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Kuzhagar and Thadangani Amman. The worship is held amidst music with Nadaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast.

Festivals:

Ten days Vaikasi Visakam festival (May-Jun) and Six days Aippasi Skanda Sashti festival (Oct–Nov) are the most famous festivals celebrated in this temple. Aani Thirumanjanam (Jun-Jul), Avani Vinayagar Chathurthi (Aug-Sep), Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb) and Masi Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) are the other festivals celebrated here. Somavaram (Mondays), Sukravaram (Fridays), Amavasai (new moon day),  Pournami (full moon day) and Kiruthigai are considered special here. Monthly pradoshams are also observed here.

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam – History

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam – History

The recorded history of Kodiakkarai is found from the inscriptions in Kuzhagar Temple and Vedaranyeswarar Temple. The inscriptions date from the reign of Aditya Chola (871–907 CE),Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE), Rajendra Chola I (1012–1044 CE) and Kulothunga Chola I(1070–1120 CE) indicating various grants to the temple. An inscription dating back to Parantaka Chola mentions the gift of 90 sheep by a merchant to the temple for the maintenance of a perpetual lamp.

The region of Kodikkarai along with Vedaranyam continued to be a part of the Chola Empire and the Chola region emerged as a centre of Saivism during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE). After the fall of Cholas during the reign of Rajendra Chola II in the 13th century CE, the erstwhile Chola region was caught under a power struggle between Pandyas and Hoysalas.

The royal patronage continued to the temple during the rule of the Nayaks. The Negapatam region (modern day Nagapattinam district) was briefly captured by French troops led by Lally (1702–66 CE) in 1759 CE. The Tanjore district was annexed by British after the French failed to subdue the king of Tanjore. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Legends

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Legends

Amirthakadeswarar:

When Devas and Asuras churned Thiruparkadal for amirtha (nectar), many things came out of ocean and finally they got the nectar. The devas gave the amrita (nectar) in a pot to Vayu to carry out to a safer place. When Vayu was carrying the nectar pot, Asuras created wind storm to stop Vayu. The pot got tilted due to the storm and few drops of nectar fell down at this place and a Shiva Lingam was formed from the drops of amrita.

Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Amirthakadeswarar. It is also said that Lord Murugan collected few drops of amrita in a pot. Hence, Lord Murugan came to be called as Amrita Subramanya. He can be seen with Amrita Kalasam in his hands in this temple. It is also noted that Vinayagar is called as Amrita Vinayagar and Theertham is called as Amrita Theertham in this temple.

Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

As per legend, Lord Rama is said to have sighted Sri Lanka from this place during his search of Sita. Sugriva planned to build a bridge from here to Lanka to help Rama to cross the sea, given its proximity to Lanka. However, Lord Rama disagreed with the proposal as Kodiakkarai is behind Lanka and that would be inappropriate to attack Ravana from behind.

Lord Rama preferred to construct the bridge from Dhanushkodi as it is located opposite to the front entrance of the island. Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Sri Lanka. To commemorate the event, the foot prints of Rama is carved here. The foot prints of Lord Rama is situated at about 4 Kms from this temple.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Narada, Indra, Kuzhaga Munivar, Brahman (son of Sveta Munivar), Sundarar, Cheraman Perumal, Sekkizhar, Arunagirinathar and Siddhars had worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Keezhaiyur Kadaimudinathar Temple, Nagapattinam

Kadaimudinathar Temple, Keezhaiyur, Mayiladuthurai

Kadaimudinathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Keezhaiyur Village near Sembanarkoil in Tharangambadi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu, India. Presiding Deity is called as Kadaimudinathar / Antha Samrakshaneswarar / Kadaimudi Eswarar and Mother is called as Abhiramavalli.

The Temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Shiva Sthalams) glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sambandar. This Temple is considered as the 72^nd Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 18^th Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/11/kadaimudinathar-temple-keezhaiyur-legends.html

History

This temple might have existed from Pallava period, but the temple was converted to granite edifice during Aditya Chola. There are inscriptions available in this temple dating back to the periods of Nandivarma Pallava III, Parantaka Chola I and Vikrama Chola. Lord Shiva of this temple is called as Thiru Chadaimudi Udaiya Mahadevar in the Vikrama Chola period inscription. An image of Ardhanareeswarar discovered near the temple is now preserved in the Chennai Government Museum. This temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/11/kadaimudinathar-temple-keezhaiyur-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Festivals

Aavani Vinayakar Chaturthi (Aug-Sep), Aippasi Annabishekam (Oct–Nov), Thiru Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Markazhi Thiruvadhirai (Dec-Jan), Thai Makara Sankranti (Jan-Feb) and Masi Shivrathri (Feb-Mar) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/11/kadaimudinathar-temple-keezhaiyur-literary-mention.html

Prayers

Moola Linga is a Sodasa Linga (having 16 stripes in it). Wealth is classified under 16 heads. Hence, it is believed that those worshipping Kadaimudi Nathar will achieve all the wealth. Woman awaiting marriage use to tie Mangalsutra to Ambika for early wedding. When marriage proposals conclude happily, they take back the Mangalsutra, tie it on their neck, worship her and leave it then again with Mother. Their belief is that doing so would ensure the longevity of their Mangalsutra till the end of their life. Majority of the devotees seek wedding boon in this temple. Others come to seek the pardon of Lord for wrongs committed by them. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Contact

Kadaimudinathar Temple,

Keezhaiyur – 609 304

Tharangambadi Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District

Phone: +91 4364 283 261 / 283 360

Mobile: +91 94427 79580 / 90951 20653 / 88709 88810

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Sembanarkoil, 12 Kms from Thirukadaiyur, 13 Kms from Poompuhar, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai New Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 15 Kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil, 16 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 16 Kms from Sirkazhi, 20 Kms from Tharangambadi and 137 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Mayiladuthurai – Poompuhar route. The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Keezhaiyur Bus Stop. Buses are available only at specific hours from Mayiladuthurai to reach Keezhaiyur.

Location | Photos

Veeratteswarar Temple, Keezha Parasalur, Mayiladuthurai

Veeratteswarar Temple, Keezha Parasalur, Mayiladuthurai

Veeratteswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Keezha Parasalur Village near Sembanarkoil in Tharangambadi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is also called as Dakshapureeswarar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Veeratteswarar / Dakshapureeswarar / Yaga Samhara Moorthy and Mother is called as Ilamkombanayal / Balambika. This Temple is considered as one of the Atta Veerattanam Temples (Atta means eight and Veeram means bravery).

This Temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram hymns. This Temple is the 158^th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 41^st sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung Thirupugazh Hymns on Lord Murugan of this Temple. Hence, this temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalam.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/veeratteswarar-temple-keezha-parasalur-legends.html

History

The Temple might have been in existence from 6^th century CE. The present structure is believed to be built in 9^th century by Cholas and was extensively renovated by Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings & Thanjavur Nayaks. There are about three inscriptions in this temple dating back to the reigns of Pandyan King Sundara Pandya and Vijayanagara King Krishna Devaraya. The place was called as Jayankonda Chozhavalanattu Veezhainattu Rajanarayana Chathurvedhimangalam Pariyalur and Lord Shiva was called as Thiru Veerattana Mudaiyar and Dakshesamudayar as per the inscriptions. The inscriptions talks about the grants & gifts made to the temple, taxes levied, and renovation activities carried out in this temple. The place was called as Thiruppariyalur during ancient times and currently called as Keezh Parasalur. The temple is maintained and administered by the Dharmapuram Aadheenam.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/veeratteswarar-temple-keezha-parasalur-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Festivals

Aadi Pooram & Perukku (Jul-Aug), Purattasi Navaratri & Chaturthi (Sep-Oct), Aippasi Annabishekam (Oct–Nov), Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (Dec-Jan), Thai Pongal (Jan-Feb) and Vaikasi Thiruvonam (May-Jun) are the festivals celebrated here. Monthly pradoshams are also observed here. Lord Shiva comes in procession on the last Karthikai Friday.

Rudrabhishekam is performed three times in a year in the Tamil months of Aani (Aswathi Star Day), Aippasi (Ashtami Day) and Thai (New Moon Day). Special Poojas & ablutions are performed to the processional idol Yaga Samhara Moorthy for six times on the Tamil new year in the month of Chithirai (Apr-May). Sundays during the Tamil month of Karthigai are considered auspicious. The festival images are taken around in procession during these days.

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/veeratteswarar-temple-keezha-parasalur-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/veeratteswarar-temple-keezha-parasalur-literary-mention.html

Prayers

This Temple is famous for performing Rudra Abhishekam. It is believed that the Rudra Abhishekam is originated in this temple. Performing the Rudra Abhishekam to Lord Shiva in this temple is considered auspicious. It is generally believed people will be relieved from all kind of doshas by performing this pooja. This Temple is also famous for celebrating the 60^th, 70^th and 80^th birth anniversaries similar to Thirukadaiyur Temple. Devotees pray for relief from the adverse aspects of the planets. Devotees perform abishek and aaradhanas to Lord and Mother.

Contact

Veeratteswarar Temple,

Keezha Parasalur,

Tharangambadi Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District – 609 309

Phone: +91 4364 205 555 / 205 287 / 205 429

Mobile: +91 99433 48035 / 94437 85616 / 96265 52835

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Sembanarkoil, 4.5 Kms from Sembanarkoil Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Nalladai, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 14 Kms from Thirukadaiyur, 14 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 24 Kms from Sirkazhi and 138 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Mayiladuthurai to Thirukadaiyur route and take a right turn at Sembanarkoil towards Nalladai. Travel in this route for 3.5 Kms to reach this temple. The Temple is situated slightly off the main road. Mini buses ply from Sembanarkoil to this temple.

Location