Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar
Temple, Thirukalappur, Ariyalur
Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar Temple
is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirukalappur Village near
Andimadam Town in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar / Thirukodi Vanantheeswarar and
Mother is called as Kamakshi / Shivagami. This Temple is
considered as one among the Pancha Bhooda Sthalams located around Andimadam.
Legends
Pancha Bhoodha Sthalams around
Andimadam:
It is believed that Sage Agastya installed and
worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Sage Agastya constructed five Shiva
Temples around Andimadam representing Pancha Bhoodas. This Temple is considered
as one among them and represents Sky element. Hence, the temple is also called
as Mela Chidambaram. The Shiva Temples linked to this Pancha Bootha Sthalams
are;
·
Thirukodi
Vanatheeswarar Temple, Thirukalappur
·
Mela
Agastheeswarar Temple, Andimadam
·
Shiva
Lingeswarar Temple, Sivalingapuram
·
Vishwanatha
Swamy Temple, Koovathur
·
Azhakeswarar
Temple, Azhagapuram
Purusha Mriga worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple:
It is believed Purusha Mriga
worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple.
History
The Temple was believed to be built by Cholas. The Temple was extensively renovated by Nayakkar Rulers. The Temple was renovated, and re-consecration ceremony was held on 25.10.2019.
The Temple
This is an east facing Temple without Rajagopuram. It has a foundation entrance arch to hold a mighty Rajagopuram. Nandi housed in Nandi Mandapam and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch. Two Vinayaga idols can be found at the entrance of the Mukha Mandapam.
Presiding Deity is called as Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar / Thirukodi Vanantheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy can be found on the Koshta of the sanctum. Mother is called as Kamakshi / Shivagami. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine.
There is a unique Saraswathi idol at the entrance of the sanctum. She is called as Gnana Saraswathi. She is seen here without her traditional Veena. She is facing east. She is sitting in Padma Asana posture and is four armed. She is holding book in her lower left hand, showing Chin Mudra in lower right hand, holding Amrita Kalasa in her upper left hand and holding Akshara Mala in her upper right hand.
There is a separate south facing shrine for Lord Nataraja in the temple premises. Shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Few Lingas, Jyestha Devi, and Sattanathar can be found in the temple premises. There is a sculpture of Purusha Mriga worshipping Shiva Linga can be seen on the compound wall. There is also an inscription etched on this wall.
Prayers
Students, Teachers, Accountants,
Singers, Priests, people with memory ailments and Astrologers pray to Goddess
Saraswathi here for their benefits.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
500 meters from Thirukalappur Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Kaduvetti, 12 Kms from Andimadam,
13 Kms from Srimushnam, 16 Kms from Gangaikonda Cholapuram, 17 Kms from Jayamkondam,
25 Kms from Udayarpalayam, 40 Kms from Sendurai Railway Station, 43 Kms from
Chidambaram, 53 Kms from Ariyalur, 55 Kms from Ariyalur Railway Station and 147
Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Andimadam to Kaduvetti
Route.