This is the 164th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 47th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri. This place was called as Thirukadavur during 6th to 7th Century and now called as Thirukadaiyur. This is one of the Atta (8) Veerattanam Temples and the other places are ThiruKovilur, Thiruvathigai, Korukkai, Kandiyur, Thirupariyalur, Vazhuvur and Thiruvirkudi. This is also one of the moovar paadal petra sthalam.
In Periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thitu kottaru. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thiru Ambar.
மற்று அவண்பதி அணைந்து வீரட்டத்து மழவிடை யார் கோயில்சுற்றுமாளிகை வலம் கொண்டு காலனை உதைத்து உருட்டிச் செய்யபொன்சி லம்புஅணி தாமரை வணங்கிமுன் போற்றிஉய்ந்து எதிர்நின்றுபற்று அறுப்பவர் சடையுடை யான் எனும் பதிகஇன் இசைபாடி........திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்செங்குமுத மலர் வாவித்திருக்கடவூர் அணைந்தருளிப்பொங்கிய வெங்கூற்று அடர்ந்த பொன் அடிகள் தொழுது ஏத்திக்குங்குலியக் கலயனார் திருமடத்தில் குறைவு அறுப்புஅங்கு அவர்பால் சிவனடியா ருடன் அமுது செய்தார்கள்......... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
சடையுடை யானும்நெய் யாடலா னும்சரி கோவணஉடையுடை யானும்மையார்ந்த ஒண்கண் உமை கேள்வனும்கடையுடை நன்னெடு மாடம்ஓங்கடவூர்தனுள்விடையுடை யண்ணலும் வீரட்டா னத்தரன் அல்லனே........ திருஞானசம்பந்தர்பொள்ளத்த காய மாயப் பொருளினைப்போக மாதர்வெள்ளத்தைக் கழிக்க வேண்டில் விரும்புமின் விளக்குத் தூபம்உள்ளத்த திரியொன்று ஏற்றி உணருமாறு உணரவல்லார்கள்ளத் தைக் கழிப்பர் போலும் கடவூர்வீ ரட்ட னாரே........ திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்பொடியார் மேனியனே புரிநூல்ஒரு பாற்பொருந்த வடியார் மூவிலைவேல் வளர்க்ங்கையின் மங்கையொடும்கடியார் கொன்றையனே கடவூர்தனுள் வீரட்டத்தெம்அடிகேள் என்அமுதே எனக்(கு)ஆர்துணை நீயலதே....... சுந்தரர் -“மாறகற்றிநன்கடையூர் பற்பலவும் நன்றி மறவா தேத்துந்தென்கடையூர் ஆனந்தத் தேறலே....... திரு அருட்பாஎன்குறை தீரநின்று ஏத்துகின்றேன் இனியான் பிறக்கின்நின்குறையே யன்றி யார் குறைகாண் இருநீள் விசும்பின்மின்குறை காட்டி மெலிகின்ற நேரிடை மெல்லியலாய்தன்குறை தீர எங்கோன் சடைமேல் வைத்த தாமரையே....... அபிராமி அந்தாதிMoolavar : Sri Amithakadeswarar, Sri Amirtha LingeswararConsort : Sri Abirami
Some of the important features of this temple are …..This temple is facing west with a 7 tier Rajagopuram and there is a 5 tier Rajagopuram on the east side also. On the west there is a second level 5 tier Rajagopuram. The stucco images like Devas and Asuras Churning the Thiruparkadal, Gajasmharamurthy, Thirugnanasambandar sitting on the shoulder of his father Sivapadar. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are after the 2nd level Rajagopuram. Moolavar is little large and called as Kala samhara moorthy, there is a scar on the moolavar.
In Kala samhara moorthy Sannathi, at the base of Moolavar scene of Yama is on the floor after he was kicked by Lord Shiva bas relief is on a silver plate. This will be shown to devotees during Poojas. On the opposite side sila moortham of Yama worshiping Lord Shiva ( in the prakara ). Maragatha Linga is in a safe and pooja will be conducted during early morning and evening.
In Prakaram Markandeswarar, Naganatheswarar, Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar sabha, Pancha Lingas, Santhana Kuravarkal, Kungkuliyakalaiya Nayanar, Minister and the Merchant, Virabhadra, Brahmi, 63var, Somaskandar, Urchavars, Palliyarai and there is no Navagrahas.
Ambal is in a separate temple facing east with Dwajasthamba, Simham and balipeedam. Abirami Andhathi was sung by Abirami Bhattar in praise of Ambal Abirami. The mandapam is of vavvalnethi, stucco dwarapalakis are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Urchavar is with 4 hands in abhaya & varada hastam.
The 15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple.
கோட்டை யழித்தசு ரார்பதி கோவென மூட்டியெ ரித்தப ராபர சேகர கோத்தம ணிக்கதி ரேநிக ராகிய வடிவேலா கூற்றும ரித்திட வேயுதை பார்வதி யார்க்குமி னித்தபெ ணாகிய மான்மகள் கோட்டுமு லைக்கதி பாகட வூருறை பெருமாளே
The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum antarala, artha mandapam and a maha mandapam.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSSince Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple was existed before 7th Century. Latter reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period and further extended during Pandyas and Vijayanagaras periods. .
The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings and Nattukottai Nagarathars.
The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Chozha Kings Rajarajan-I, Rajendra Chozha-I, Kulothunga Chozha-I, Vikrama Chozha, Rajathirajan-II, Kulothunga Chozha-III, Rajarajan-III, Pandya Kings Kulasekara Pandyan, Sundara Pandyan, Konerimai Kondan, Vijayanagara Kings Krishna Devarayar, and Veera Viruppanna Udayar.
As per the inscriptions, this place was called as Uyyakondar Valanattu Akkur Nattu Kadavur ( Rajendra Chozha’s period ), Rajanarayana Valanattu Ambar Nattu Kadavur ( Kulothunga Chozha Period ) and Jayangonda Chozha valanattu Ambarnattu Kadavur ( Kulothunga Chozha-III ) and Lord Shiva was called as Thiruveerattanathu Perumanadigal, Thiruveerattanamudaya Paramaswamy and Kalakala thevar. Most of the Chozha period inscriptions records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps, pooja, Naivedyam, archanabhogam and service for which Lands were gifted to the temple. A Pandya person had gifted a simmasanam to the Palliyarai.
Rajaraja-I’s 6th reign year and 242nd day inscription records that Tax exemption was made to the temple land and lands around the temple. 13th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps in front of 3 sannathis during morning & Evening poojas, for which a land was bought by the maha sabha and handed over to a merchant called Udhaya Chandran Amudhan alias Mayilatri to carryout the endowment to sun and moon exists.
Rajendra Chozha-I’s 18th reign year inscription records the endowment of celebrating 8 day festival in the month Chithirai for which a land was gifted by Rajaraja Mooventha Velan.
Kulothunga Chozha-I’s ( 1070- 1120 CE) inscription records the endowment of feeding 10 Sivayogis who are well-versed in Vedas at Markandeyar Madam for the same land measuring 3/4th veli adjacent to the temple ( madapuram ) was gifted.
The Thirukadaiyur Village assembly assembled at Thiruchitrambala velaikaran thirumandapam and Kulothunga Chozhan Thiruveduthu kattiya madam.
Kulothunga Chozha-III’s period inscription records that Rajaraja Eswarar was established by Arayar Rajaraja Thevar alias Vaanatharaiyar. And Jadavarman Thirubhuvana Chakravarti Veerapandya Thevar’s 14th reign year inscription mentions the Vikrama Chozheeswaramudayar.
Land DonationsA Chozha period inscription records the endowment of feeding 17 devotees at Rajathirajan arasalai / a thirumadam, for which land was gifted as salabhogam by Komakkudi VijayaRajendra Moovendhavelalan alias Pichan Adithan.
Thirubhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimaikondan, period inscription records that, he established a pooja & worship called Kulasekaran Sandhi daily to Kalakala Thevar (Lord Shiva ), for which 31 Veli land at Kulothunga Chozha Karupur, which was separated from the Rajendra Chozha mangalam alias Akkur was gifted.
A Pallava inscription, This inscription consists of 3 verses in Tamil in praise of the Kadava Chief who made the ruler of the land bordering the river of Kaveri his subordinate by taking from him the tiger banner. ( AR 49 of 1906 )
Vijayanagara King Krishna Devarayar gifted 8 Veli Land. Veera Viruppanna Udayar gave a gift of Tax income from the 100 veli Land to this temple. The inscriptions records that Erukkattucheri near this temple was gifted to this temple. Many perpetual lamps were gifted to this temple. For burning perpetual lamps lands called Nundhavillakupuram situated at Erukkattucheri, was gifted to this temple. The lands with sand dunes are reformed to cultivable lands and gifted.
The Vikrama Chozha’s 4th reign year inscription records that Thirukadaiyur Sabha gifted 3 veli land as archana bhogam, to the Thirukadavur Nayanar shrine established in Thillaiyali Eswaramudayar temple in Rajanarayana Valanattu Karambur Nattu Thillaiyali Nallur ( Thillaiyadi ). This inscription is inscribed at Thiruvaduthurai Shiva Temple, how and what connection it was inscribed in that temple is not known.
Vijayanagara King Krishna Devarayar period inscription in the form of a poem / song records that a Brahmanan by name Abath Sahayan, who participated in the Raichur war and lived in this place had done thirupani to this temple.
Kulothunga Chozha-III’s period inscription records that, the king had given the status of Nattuva Nilai, to Parasivan Ponnan alias Kala Vinotha Nirutha Periyan, as per the wish of the poet Veeranthapallavaraiyar.
As per the inscription in the form of a song inscribed on the 3rd Rajagopura records that the temple was built ( may be reconstructed by Kozhumbarasan ( King of Cylon ...?). he also composed a poem of Kalakala Thevar.
The Concrete mandapa inter connecting between 1st and 2nd Rajagopuram was built by Dr A C Muthiah, a leading Industrialist, as per his mother Opilal Achi’s wishes.
This is one of the temples under the administrative control of Dharmapura Adheenam. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 26th March 1997 after renovations.
LEGENDSThis place was called as Thirukadavur Veerattam, Kadapuri, Vilvaranyam, Brahmanthira thalam, Paba vimosanam, Pinchilarayanyam ( a type of plant – not exists now) during ancient times. Bhoomadevi, Agasthiyar, Pulathiyar, Vasuki and Durgai. Kungiliya kalaya Nayanar, Kaari Nayanar has served and got mukthi in this temple worshiped Lord Shiva of this Temple. This is the 108th Shiva Sthalam where Markandeyar worshiped Lord Shiva.( 107th sthalam was Thirukadaiyur Mayanam )
This is the 8th of Atta (8) Veerattanam / Veeratta Temples, where Lord Shiva kicked Yama to save Markandeya. The atta veerata sthalas are...- Thiru Kandiyur where Lord Shiva plucked Brahma’s 5
- Thirukkovilur where Andhaksuran was vanquished.
- Thiruvadhigai, where Lord Shiva burnt the Thirupuram ad Thiripura Samharar.
- Pariyalur where Lord Shiva as Veerabhadra destroyed Daksha’s yagna and killed him.
- Thiruvirkudi where demon Jalandaran, who was formed from the eye drop of Lord Shiva was killed.
- Thiru Vazhuvur where Lord Shiva teared Gajamugasuran
- Thiru Korukkai where Lord Shiva burnt Kaman alias Manmathan and latter made him to alive.
- Thirukadaiyur, where Lord Shiva kicked Yama for markandeyar.
It is believed that the life will be extended after conducting / celebrating their Sashtiapthapoorthi on the 60th anniversary, Bheema Ratha Shanthi on the 70th anniversary, Sathabhishekam on the 80th Anniversary, Kanakabhishekam on the 90th Anniversary Poornabhishekam on the 100th birth anniversary. Amirthakadeswarar
As per the legend.. The Amirtha which came out of Thiruparkadal, Lord Shiva made the Amirtha to appear in the temple tank. The Devas forgot to worship Vinayagar before taking the Amirtha pot. Angered Vinayagar, hid the pot of nectar in the earth which went in to the patala loka and formed a Shiva Linga. Hence the Shiva Linga is considered as the form of Amrita and Lord Shiva is called as Amirthakadeswarar.
In another legend Brahma went to Mount kailash to get the Gnana Upadesa from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave him some bilva / Vila seeds to sow it in various places on the earth. Lord Shiva promised to give Upadesa where the seed germinates first. Thirukadaiyur is the place where the seed germinated first. Hence this place is called as Adhi Vilva Vana Nathar.
This legend is associated with the sage Markandeya. Mrigandu Maharishi did a penance on Lord Shiva. Satisfied with the maharishi’s penance Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked, which kind of Child he wants, the wise and noble one who has age of 16 years or a long life with out wise and noble. The Maharishi asked Lord Shiva for a wise and Noble Child and Lord Shiva blessed him as per Maharishi’s wish.
When Markandeyar the son of Mrigandu was approaching the age of 16, he was informed of his death. Markandeya Visited many Shiva temples and worshiped Lord Shiva. When he was going to attain the age of 16, came to Thirukadaiyur Temple as the 108th temple and worshiped Lord Shiva. When Yama was throwing the Pasa rope Markandeyar embraced the Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva got angry when the rope which Yama thrown on Markandeyar touches the Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of “Kalasamharamurthy”, kicked Yama and blessed markandeya with the age of “endrum 16”. Hence Lord Shiva is called as “Miruthyunjaya Murthy”.
This legend is associated with Abirami Bhattar. Subramanian was a priest and an ardent devotee of Ambal Abirami. One day when was in deep meditation the Thanjavur Maratha King Sarabhoji-II, came to the temple and asked that day’s “thithi”. Unconsciously the priest Subramanian replied as Pournami ( Full moon day ). When somebody pointed out the mistake, the angered King ordered the priest to prove otherwise he will be killed.
The priest Subramanian surrendered to Ambal to seek her help. He also started composing hymns in praise of Ambal known as Abirami Andhathi. When finishes the composing Ambal threw her ear ring / Thadangam in the sky, which shines like a full moon. The King fell at the feet of the priest and asked him to pardon him. From then onwards the priest Subramaniam was called as Abhirami Bhattar.
Another legend is associated with Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar, one of the 63 nayanmars. Kalayan, who belongs to this place Thirukadaiyur was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He used to worship Lord Shiva by burning the Kungiliyam ( a fragrant smelling Material ). He continued this service using all his wealth. When all the wealth were exhausted, he and his wife were starved out of food. His wife gave her mangalsutra and asked Kalayan to get some rice to cook. When he was on his way to sell, found a merchant was selling the Kungiliyam. Immediately exchanged the Mangalsutra and got the Kungiliyam, went to the temple, started worship Lord Shiva. Appreciating his worship and devotion Lord Shiva filled his house with lot of wealth, money and food grains. Lord Shiva informed to Kalayan’s wife also in her dream. Lord Shiva also instructed Kalayan to go home and take food, since he had not taken food for the past two days. When Kalayan returned home and found his house was completely changed with wealth. Kalayan was called as Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar. Latter he was responsible for straightening the Shiva Linga at Thiruppanandal.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas all important Hindu festivals are celebrated in this temple. For Kala samhara moorthy, 11 times in a year abhishekam will be conducted on Chithirai Vishu, 5th and 6th day of Brahmotsavam, Prayachitham Abhishekam, Dakshinayana punyakalam, Aani Uthiram, Kanya Chaturthi in Purattasi, Thura Vishu, Arudra, Uttarayana punyakalam, Kumbha Chathurthi in Masi maham, Chithra festival will be conducted 18 days, 1008 Sangu Abhishekam on Karthigai Somavaram ( Monday ), monthly special poojas are conducted. Special poojas are conducted on Amavasya ( new moon day ) and Pournami ( full moon day ) at Ambal Sannadhi. Special poojas are also conducted on Saturdays to Kala samhara moorthy.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.30 Hrs.
CONTACT DETAILSThe temple land line number +914364 287 429 and Gurukkal Ravisankar mobile numbers +91 9788843491 and +91 90037 67898 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH This place Thirukadaiyur is on the bus route from Mayiladuthurai to Tharangambadi. Buses are available from Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, etc.The temple is 21 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 22 KM from Karaikal, 22 KM from Sirkazhi, 44 KM from Chidambaram, 55 KM from Kumbakonam and 260 KM from Chennai.The nearest Railway station is Mayiladuthurai.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Stucco image of Kala Samharar
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
பொடியார் மேனியனே புரிநூல்ஒரு பாற்பொருந்த
Rajendra Chozha-I’s 18th reign year inscription records the endowment of celebrating 8 day festival in the month Chithirai for which a land was gifted by Rajaraja Mooventha Velan.
- Thiru Kandiyur where Lord Shiva plucked Brahma’s 5
- Thirukkovilur where Andhaksuran was vanquished.
- Thiruvadhigai, where Lord Shiva burnt the Thirupuram ad Thiripura Samharar.
- Pariyalur where Lord Shiva as Veerabhadra destroyed Daksha’s yagna and killed him.
- Thiruvirkudi where demon Jalandaran, who was formed from the eye drop of Lord Shiva was killed.
- Thiru Vazhuvur where Lord Shiva teared Gajamugasuran
- Thiru Korukkai where Lord Shiva burnt Kaman alias Manmathan and latter made him to alive.
- Thirukadaiyur, where Lord Shiva kicked Yama for markandeyar.
Amirthakadeswarar
Apart from regular poojas all important Hindu festivals are celebrated in this temple. For Kala samhara moorthy, 11 times in a year abhishekam will be conducted on Chithirai Vishu, 5th and 6th day of Brahmotsavam, Prayachitham Abhishekam, Dakshinayana punyakalam, Aani Uthiram, Kanya Chaturthi in Purattasi, Thura Vishu, Arudra, Uttarayana punyakalam, Kumbha Chathurthi in Masi maham, Chithra festival will be conducted 18 days, 1008 Sangu Abhishekam on Karthigai Somavaram ( Monday ), monthly special poojas are conducted. Special poojas are conducted on Amavasya ( new moon day ) and Pournami ( full moon day ) at Ambal Sannadhi. Special poojas are also conducted on Saturdays to Kala samhara moorthy.
