Sundareswarar Temple,
Kothangudi, Thanjavur
Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kothangudi village near Nachiyar Koil
in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil
Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is
called as Meenakshi. This temple is situated between Arasalaru River and
Thirumalai Rayan Pattinam River. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam
as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. Kothangudi was also known as
Koothangudi in ancient times.
Legends
It is believed that Bheema, one
of the Pancha Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Hence, the place
came to be called as Bheemeswaram.
History
The Temple is believed to be
1300 years old. The temple was believed to be a big Temple in ancient past and in
course of time, it got destructed. The Temple was without any rituals for more than
100 years. The Temple was renovated recently by the Villages. Kumbabhishekam
was performed in 2017.
The
Temple
Presiding Deity is called as
Sundareswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lingam is
slightly in leaned position. Sun rays fall on Lord Shiva at 6.00 AM for four
days starting from 1st Pournami of Panguni Month. A unique aspect of this
Temple is Santhana Sundareswarar. He is depicted as a baby in the cradle. This
Panchaloka idol is about 1 feet tall. Nandi
and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She
is housed in a separate shrine.
Temple
Opening Time
The Temple remains open from
07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 06.00 PM to 08.30 PM.
Festivals
Maha Shivarathri is celebrated
here with much fanfare. Monthly Pradoshams are observed here regularly.
Literary
Mention
The Temple is considered as
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sambandar had a mention about
this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 2nd Thirumurai in 39th
Patikam in 10th Song.
குத்தங்குடி வேதி குடிபுனல்சூழ்
குருந்தங்குடி தேவன் குடிமருவும்
அத்தங்குடி தண்டிருவண் குடியும்
அலம்புஞ்சலந்தன் சடைவைத் துகந்த
நித்தன் நிமலன் உமையோடுங்கூட
நெடுங்காலம் உறைவிட மென்று சொல்லாப்
புத்தர் புறங்கூ றியபுன் சமணர்
நெடும்பொய்களைவிட் டுநினைந் துய்ம்மினே
Prayers
Devotees pray here for Child
Boon and wealth. If any devotee worship Lord Shiva of this Temple for five
Sundays continuously with flowers, they will be bestowed with mental peace and
relief from heart ailments.
Contact
Sundareswarar Temple,
Kothangudi, Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 612 303
Mobile: +91 94442
79696
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 4
Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 4 Kms from Koohur, 5 Kms from Thukkachi, 12 Kms from Kumbakonam
Railway Station, 12 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam, 13
Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 111 Kms from Trichy
Airport. The Temple can be reached from Kumbakonam via Nachiyar Koil. Kothangudi
is situated on the Nachiyar Koil – Poonthottam Road. Devotees coming to this
temple, take the buses plying in Kumbakonam – Nachiyar Koil – Mathur –
Kothangudi Route and get down at Kothangudi Aathu Palam Bus Stop. The Temple is
situated at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop.
Location