Vedapureeswarar
Temple, Thirukkazhithattai,
Thanjavur
Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirukkazhithattai Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vedapureeswarar and Mother is called as Vedha Nayaki. Thirukkazhithattai is mentioned as Thirukkudithittai in the local inscriptions. The Temple is believed to be built by Cholas in 9th century CE.
Legends
Once, four Vedas grew arrogant
and thought that they were supreme beings. On seeing their arrogance, Lord
brahma cursed them to become Vela Trees. All the four Vedas were born as Vela
trees here due to the curse. Four Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva sincerely and got
relieved of their curse.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards
east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance facing
the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam
and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Vedapureeswarar and is facing east.
He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.
Sunrays fall on Shiva Linga at
06.00 AM on Chithirai 3rd to 13th (for 10 Days) during Uttharayana and on Avani
1st to 10th (for 10 Days) during Dakshinayana.
There is sculpture of Sundara Chola with his wife in worshipping posture to
south side of the sanctum.
Vinayaga, Durga, Brahma, Vishnu
and Dakshinamoorthy are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother
is called as Vedha Nayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her
shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Saptha
Mathas, Chandikeswarar and Murugan can be seen in the temple premises.
Inscriptions
For brief details, please refer below link;
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3.5
Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 4 Kms from Veppathur, 5 Kms from Thiruvisanallur,
5 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 5 Kms from Thiruvidaimarudur Railway Station, 12
Kms from Kumbakonam, 12 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 12 Kms from Kumbakonam
Bus Stand, 51 Kms from Thanjavur and 105 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is
situated on Kallanai to Poompuhar Route.