Velukkudi Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Velukkudi Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Velukkudi, Thiruvarur district – 614103.

Deity

Rudrakoteeswarar Amman: Komalambikai

Introduction

• Location: Velukkudi Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
• Deities: The presiding deity is Rudrakoteeswarar, while the goddess is known as Komalambikai.
• Age: The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old.
• Administration: The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities Department of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

The temple has deep mythological roots tied to the revered sage Vasishta. Here are some key stories associated with its significance:

• Sage Vasishta’s Pilgrimage: Sage Vasishta felt immense sorrow over his perceived mistake in selecting the muhurta (auspicious day) for the coronation of Lord Rama. Despite reassurances from other sages that the mishap was due to the Chakravaha bird mispronouncing the mantras, Vasishta remained troubled. He decided to embark on a pilgrimage to various Shiva Sthalas.
• Divine Intervention: Upon reaching a site dense with gooseberry trees (which led to the name Velvikudi, meaning “Yajna Place”), Vasishta heard a divine voice instructing him to stay and pray on Sani Pradosham day. He bathed in the holy tank and resolved to chant the Rudra Mantra a crore times to relieve his mental agony. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva granted him darshan.
• King’s Devotion: Inspired by Vasishta’s story, a king constructed the temple, dedicating it to Rudrakoteeswarar. He aimed to ensure that the sounds of the Vedas echoed continuously at this holy site and that yajnas (sacrificial rituals) would benefit the people. The king provided the necessary amenities for Brahmins and Vedic scholars to conduct these rituals. The term Velvi, meaning yajna in Tamil, contributed to the village’s name evolving from Velvikudi to Velukudi.
• Healing of King Kulothunga: Legend says that Chola King Kulothunga, afflicted with leprosy, bathed in the temple tank and prayed to Lord Shiva for five Pradosha days, ultimately receiving a miraculous cure.
• Historical Worship: This sacred site has been visited by numerous enlightened souls, including sages like Vasishta and Chandilya, and deities such as Nandi Deva and Indra, who all worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Rudrakoteeswarar on Pradosha days, especially the Saturdays (Sani Pradosham), alleviates family worries and confusion.
• Women’s Mangal Sutra longevity is thought to increase, and devotees can be relieved of debts.
• Couples who are separated may find happiness and reunion through sincere prayers.
• Devotees often perform abhisheks (ritual baths) for both Lord Shiva and Mother Komalambikai and offer vastras (clothes).

Special Features

• The temple is uniquely positioned with the deity facing a cremation ground to the west, signifying a connection to transformation and liberation.
• Lord Rudra Kodeeswarar is depicted facing the cremation ground, with sage Chandilya situated at the feet of Lord Dakshinamurthy in the temple.
• Mother Komalambikai is represented as merciful, facing south and holding a trident.
• There are shrines dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, and Mother Durga within the temple complex.

Festivals

• The temple conducts special pujas on Pradosha days, particularly emphasizing Sani Pradosham on Saturdays.
• Maha Shivarathri, celebrated grandly in February-March, is a significant festival that draws many devotees to the temple for worship and festivities.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Velukudi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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