Brihadeeswarar Temple,
Karkoodal, Cuddalore
Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located in Karkoodal Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Brihadeeswarar and Mother
is called as Brihannayagi. The Temple is situated on the banks of Manimutharu
River.
Legends
As per
legends, this place was ruled by King Narendran. He had a son named
Sarangathevan. King’s youngest wife Chitrangi had a crush towards prince. Pious
prince refused her immoral wish. Queen got offended and informed King that prince
approached her for illegal relationship. She also requested King to cut off his
hands and legs as a punishment.
Prince
got back his hands and legs by praying to seven Shiva Temples located on the
banks of Manimutharu river. The southern bank of Manimutharu river in this
village is the place where his legs were chopped off. Hence, the place came to
be called as Kaal Vaangu Kudi now got corrupted to Karmagudi. He prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple and got his legs
back. Hence, the place came to be called as Kaal Koodal and now got corrupted
to Karkoodal.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam
can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Brihadeeswarar
and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of tall Lingam. Mother
is called as Brihannayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Lord
Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Virudhachalam,
6 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway
Station, 63 Kms from Cuddalore, 88 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 135 Kms from
Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Sethiyathope Route.
Location
