Karkadeswarar Temple,
Thirundudevankudi – Prayers
People
pray to Lord Shiva here for relief from disease (Pini) in Tamil. Saint
Gnanasambandar has mentioned Lord in his hymn as Pini Neekkum Shiva. Devotees
perform gingelly oil abishek to Lord Karkadeswarar and Goddess Arumarunthu
Nayaki for relief from adverse planetary aspects. They also consume this oil as
a medicine for diseases if they have. It is believed that the temple tanks
contains medicinal properties. Taking a dip in this tank and worshiping Goddess
Parvathy here will cure various ailments. The oil applied to the Goddess here
is considered very auspicious.
There
are temples dedicated to each of the 12 Rasis
(Lunar Zodiac Sign) and each of the 27
Nakshatras (Birth Star). The Karkadeswarar temple is for Kataka or Karkata Rasi and Aayilyam
or Ashlesha Nakshatram in particular. It is believed that people born
under this rasi and Nakshatram should visit this
temple regularly and benefit from His blessings.
People
born under Ashlesha Nakshatram and/or Kataka Rasi are advised to light
Nallennai Vilakku (Sesame or Gingelly Oil lamp) and worship Lord Shiva on
Ashtami (eighth day from New Moon or Full Moon), New Moon days, Tuesdays and
Saturdays apart from Ahilya Nakshatram Thithis to be blessed with prosperity,
good health, peace of mind and overall happiness in life. People not born under
this star or Rasi can also worship on the above-mentioned days to be cured of any
chronic illness.
This
is the
temple to seek relief from the Karkadaka (Cancer) in English and
Nandu in Tamil zodiac sign comprising of three stars namely Punarvasu, Poosa
and Aayilya. Those belonging to these stars are advised to pray in this
temple as often as they could or on their star days or on their birthdays. Those
undergoing Moon main period in their life are advised to offer white vastras
(clothes) to Chandra if they have adverse aspects. People perform special pujas
to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.
