Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvazhundur, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

38. Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvazhundur, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Vedapureeswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Soundarambikai
Holy water (Theertham) : Veda Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Sandalwood , Vilvam
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

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This is the 38th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. This temple has the Thiruganasambandar devara Pathigam. Vedapureeswarar temple is situated is located on the eastern side of the Tiruvazhundur village. It is located right across a temple for Lord Vishnu which is one of the Diyva Desam shrine. The shrine for female deity Soundaraambikai is situated outside the main Siva temple. Sage Agasthiyar, Markandeyar and Kaveri are said to have obtained salvation at this sthalam. The famous poet Kambar, who authoured Kamba Ramayanam, was born at this place.

Four worship services are offered each day. The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals include Kartikai Deepam, surya Pooja in the month of Maasi, Navaratri, Aadipperukku, Aavani Moolam, Vinayaka Chaturthi etc.

Important Features:

• This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• Agasthiyar made the king's Chariot to ground, when king disturbs Agasthiyar’s pooja.
• Vedhangal, Devars, Thisaibalagargal worshiped this temple lord Shiva.
• Sannadhi for Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Shethra lingam, Kadambavaneswarar, Valamchuzhi Vinayagar, Cauvery, Agathiyar.
• Thisaibalagar’s paintings and Sudhai dwarabalagar.
• In koshtam Vinayagar, Thenmugakadavul Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Sathur puja Durgai.
• West facing temple.
• In Navagrahas except suryan others are facing suryan and suryan is facing west.
• Dhakshinamoorthy is Metha Dhakshinamoorthy.

As a child when Tirujnanasambandar came to this place, two temples were seen high on two sides and there arose a doubt in him which of these was the Siva temple. At that time, Lord Vinayaka of this place pointed to a temple, “that is the temple of Easwara”. Hence, this Vinayaka is known as “Jnanasambanda Vinayakar”. Sage Agastya has worshiped the Lord of this place.

Gallery Of Vedapureeswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

Sage Agastya was worshiping the Lord of this place. King Urthuvaradan, without knowing this, was driving his car along the sky-space. The car paused and did not move. Hence, this holy place came to be known as ‘Therazhundur’.

The Lord of this sacred place, was worshiped by the Vedas, Devas, Ashtadik Balakas and sages. The mandapam where Lord Siva and Vishnu played dice game is still there. During the period when Siva and Shakti were separated, Indra and other Devas came here to meet them. But, Nandi did not allow them to meet Lord Siva. So the Ashtadik Balakas installed Lingam around the city and worshiped. The Lingas are still seen here. Kaveri and Sage Agastya were relieved of their curses here. So they have separate Sanctum.

Once Parameswara and Mahavishnu played Dice game with Parvati as the umpire. At one phase, there arose a doubt regarding the number of the dice. The umpire Parvati supporting Perumal found fault with Siva. The infuriated Siva cursed Parvati to become a cow. Lord Vishnu felt that because of him only Parvati became a cow and so incarnated as a cowherd in this place. So, the name of the Perumal of this sacred place became ‘Aamaruviappan'. Parvati who became a cow went to several sacred places, prayed and finally came to this holy place, worshiped Lord Siva and got back her beautiful figure. She was called ‘Soundaryanayaki’. Those who want their beauty to be liked by others can receive Grace from this Ambal. Lord Siva regretted for having cursed Parvati as a cow, came here and taught Veda to the priests -- hence the holy name of the Lord, ‘Vedapureeswarar’.

On the 23rd, 24th and 25th days of Maasi month from 5.55 pm to 6.05 pm ‘Sooriya Pooja’ (Sun Worship) is performed. This is a Siva temple facing west. This is the birth-place of the poet Kavichakravarthi Kambar.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located at Therazhundur, 11 Kms from Mayiladuturai. Bus facilities from Mayiladuturai are available. Can come from Kuthalam by auto or Taxi also.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Vedapureeswarar Tirukkoil,
Therazhundur Post,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 808.
Phone: +91- 4364-237 650.