Rudra Kodeeswarar Temple,
Thirukazhukundram – The Temple
The temple is facing east with
four tiered Rajagopuram. The Rudran Temple is older than the Vedagiriswarar Temple.
As per procedure, one has to first visit Rudran Temple and then only the
Vedagiriswarar Temple. The temple entrance has Nandi with his consort, Surya Prabha
Devi on the wall. Balipeedam and Nandi are found facing the sanctum. Vinayaka
and Murugan Shrines can be found near to the Temple entrance.
Presiding Deity is called as Rudra
Kodeeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a
Swaymbhu Moorthy. Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga, Brahma, Vishnu and Durga are the
Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. While in the Siva temples the
image of Lingodbhava is found on the western side of the sanctum sanctorum,
here one can find the image of Mahavishnu with Varada Hastham.
Mother is called as Pennin
Nallal / Thirupurasundari Abhirami / Rudrani. The shrine of the Goddess is
situated on the left side and she looks southwards through an opening on the
temple wall towards the Kali Temple at Vattaparai (circular rock), situated at
some distance. It is believed that Mother Abirami, has calmed down Kali Devi,
who was brimming with anger. Hence, she is appearing in a slightly reclined
position.
There are shrines for Veda Vinayaka,
Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai and Naalvar (Appar,
Sundarar, Thirugnanasambanthar & Manikkavasakar) in the Temple premises. Sthala
Vriksham of this Temple is Vilva Tree (each leaf containing nine petals). Theertham
of this Temple is Rudra Theertham. It is situated inside the temple complex.
An ancient poem, inscribed in
the inner wall of the temple says, while Kasi (Benares), Thiruvarur,
Chidambaram, Thiruvannamalai, Kanchi, Kalahasti and Madurai formed the body of
Lord Siva while Koteeswarar Temple at Rudrakoti or Rudran Koil is his heart.
