Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple, Aikudi, Thiruvarur
Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple is a Hindu Temple located at
Aikudi in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is Devaraja Maha
Sastha. Mothers are Poornaa and Pushkala. Sthala Vriksham is Neem Tree (Vembu)
and Theertham is Deva Theertham. Though the temple is under the control of the
HR & CE of the Government of Tamilnadu, it is noteworthy that the temple
was constructed from the funds contributed by those praising Sastha as their
family deity – Kuladevatha.
Legends
48 evil deities had worshipped Sastha in this temple and
got relieved from the effects of their evil deeds and curses. Lord
Devaraja Swami (Deiva Ranga Peruman) assumed this name as the great three Lords
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva also performed pujas here.
The
Temple
The temple is surrounded by green pleasant
fields. Presiding Deity is Devaraja Maha Sastha. Mothers are Poornaa
and Pushkala. Sthala Vriksham is Neem Tree (Vembu) and Theertham is Deva
Theertham. Sastha is the Kuladevatha for many Tamilians living in France,
London and other countries. All of them throng the temple during festival
days. There are also temples on all directions of this temple. The
temples of Lord Kailasanathar and Lord Valampuri Vinayaka add more importance
to this Sastha temple. Veeran is the custodian deity of the place.
Lord Sastha is the Kuladevatha of the natives, presently
living abroad. The Theertha Kulam is opposite the western
entrance. Peddaranasami and Pechi Amman in the north, Rakkaperumal in the
south with Aswarajan on the opposite side, Uthandarayar in the north grace the
devotees. Presiding deity Devaraja Sastha, in his own shrine with a Vimana
of 3 Kalasas, with consorts Poornaa and Pushkala is facing west. The
Balipeeta and the elephant are on the east.
The holy tree is at the centre. Veeran is outside facing
east Peddanathasami, Gananatha, Irulan, Sathi and Pathi and Pechi Amman are
facing south. Aswath Rajan and Raghava Perumal are on the west. Thoondilkaran
is facing north. Vazhikaraiyan is facing east. There are 3 types of
Maha Mandapams in the temple to accommodate 1000 devotees at a time. The
antiquity of the temple is believed to be between 500 and 1000 years. The
consecration of the temple was performed in the year 2011.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from
4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Festivals
Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14 each year,
last Tuesday of Chithirai Tamil month, Poornima days (full moon days) are the
days of festival in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Sastha on each Poornima day for relief
from black magic effects. It is also believed that joining in the
Chithirai month (April-May) pujas would reward the devotees with all
prosperity. Realizing their wishes, devotees contribute corns and grains, live
goats, cattle, cock etc. to the temple.
Contact
Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple,
Mukundanur Post, Kudavasal Taluk,
Aikudi, Tiruvarur – 613 70
Mobile: +91 94884 15137 /
94439 46137
Connectivity
The devotee must reach Mukundanur from Tiruvarur 13 km
far. Turn south and walk 1 km to reach the temple. Nearest Railway Station
is located at Thiruvarur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.