ETTUKUDI: SIDDHAR VAANMEEGAR’S JEEVA SAMADHI

Located near Thirukkuvalai in the Tiruvarur district, Ettukudi Murugan Temple is one of the most revered Murugan temples. This temple houses the deity Ettukudi Murugan, who is praised in the hymns composed by Arunagirinathar. Inside Ettukudi, Murugan presents himself as Valli Devasena Sametha Subramanya Swamy. The divine emblem of the peacock adorns the base of the deity’s pedestal, symbolizing only two seasons, indicative of its uniqueness. Devotees perform abhishekam to Murugan here, as well as to the nine warriors who accompanied Surapadman in his battle with Murugan. Some of these warriors have statues erected beside Murugan. Murugan is believed to have departed from here to slay Surapadman, signifying the victory of good over evil. The presiding goddess of the temple, Manonmani Thaayar, blesses devotees with her grace at the base of the temple’s shrine.

Siddhar Vaanmeegar’s Jeeva Samadhi:

The Jeeva Samadhi of Siddhar Vaanmeegar is located at the Murugan Temple in Ettukudi. He attained Samadhi under the banyan tree at this temple. In the northern dialect, he is called Vaanmeegar, named after Valmiki, the sage who composed the Ramayana. Poet Subramanya Bharathi has glorified him in his song “7000,” where he is praised as having lived for over 5834 years. He is credited with giving the world the Ramayana. He was a great Tamil scholar, living a life of asceticism dedicated to spiritual advancement.

Another Jeeva Samadhi of Siddhar Vaanmeegar is located in the Maruntheeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur. Additionally, he spent considerable time meditating under the sacred fig tree at the temple of Thiruthalainathar in Sivagangai district.

News about the temple: During the reign of Rajaraja Chola, Singaravelan’s statue was moved to the side, according to a story. They placed it in the side of the statue. Due to the beauty of the deity seen in the statue, the Chola, fearing another statue would be made similarly beautiful, broke the sculptor’s finger that made the statue.

Later, the sculptor went to a nearby village and gave the statue to a person who said that another statue should not be made like this. It is said that the person who received the statue removed a little from the statue and gave it to the sculptor. The sculptor went and placed it in the temple. Then the people there, seeing the statue, started praising it, saying ‘Ettipidi’. This is why it is said in history that ‘Ettukudi’ originated from the word ‘Ettipidi’.

Thalapuranam: Once, the sage Brungi came to Thirukkayilai to see Lord Shiva. Unable to find a place to put his trunk, he placed it at the feet of Ambika. The Lord came to the sage Brungi and sat next to him, making room for him. The Lord and Ambika are one in this temple. Parvati came here to rest, requesting a boon from Shiva. Shiva’s vehicle, the bull, arrived with Parvati and fulfilled her desire. The deity in this temple is known as Ambal.

The fast of Kedara Gauri lasted from the beginning of Purattasi Valarpirai to the end of Aippasi Sathurti, a total of 21 days. On the day of Aippasi Amavasya, Parvati Devi completed the Kedara Gauri fast. Immediately, Shiva appeared and, taking the form of a bull, accompanied Parvati Devi to her abode.

Devotees can offer prayers at the temple located 20 kilometers from Nagapattinam through the Thiruthuraipoondi route.

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