Friday, July 17, 2020

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Karkoodal, Cuddalore

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