Odacherry Vedapureeswarar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Odacherry Vedapureeswarar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Odacherry, Thiruvarur circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610101

Moolavar

Vedapureeswarar

Amman

Akilandeshwari

Introduction

• Location: Odacherry Village, Thiruvarur Circle, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
  • The village is situated 5 km south of Suranoor on the Thiruvarur – Gangalanchery – Nagur road.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Vedapureeswarar
• Mother Deity: Akilandeshwari

Puranic Significance

• According to the inscription from the Nagai Navaneedesuvarar Temple, during the reign of Thanjainayaka King Chevappa Nayakar in 1560, Prakasar was appointed as the supervisor of temples in Sikkal, Vadagudi, Odacherry, and other areas. This inscription provides evidence that the temple in Odacherry is over 500 years old.
• The original temple was completely destroyed, and after years of effort, a new temple was constructed. Unfortunately, the new temple was flooded in 2018.

Temple Features

• The temple has been newly constructed in the main compound, featuring a decorative arch at the entrance gate with intricate carvings.
• Inside the entrance gate, there is a small shrine for Lord Ganesha.
• The sanctum for Lord Vedapureeswarar faces east. It is believed that the Vedas were worshiped here, which is why the Lord is named Vedapureeswarar.
• There is a front hall before the sanctum, and Lord Akilandeshwari, the Mother deity, has her own sanctum facing south.
• Nandi Mandapam: A small Nandi Mandapam is situated in front of the sanctum.
• The Prakaram (temple courtyard) houses separate shrines for Vinayagar and Murugan.
• In the Karurai Kottam, the temple features an idol of Thenmugan.
• To the north-east of the temple, there are shrines for Saturn (Shani), Bhairavar, and Sun Lingam.

Current Situation

• While the temple is newly constructed, the locals do not seem to celebrate the temple with much fervor. The reasons for this are unclear, but the temple’s relatively recent rebuilding and recovery from the 2018 floods may have contributed to the subdued celebrations.

Century/Period

500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Odacherry

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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