Aikudi Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Aikudi Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple, Mukundanur Post, Kudavasal Taluk, Aikudi, Thiruvarur district – 613 70 Mobile: +91 94884 15137 / 94439 46137

Diety

Devaraja Maha Sastha Amman: Poornaa and Pushkala

Introduction

Devaraja Maha Sastha Temple is located at Aikudi in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is Devaraja Maha Sastha. Mothers are Poornaa and Pushkala. Sthala Vriksham is Neem Tree (Vembu) and Theertham is Deva Theertham. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Though the temple is under the control of the HR & CE of the Government of Tamilnadu, it is noteworthy that the temple was constructed from the funds contributed by those praising Sastha as their family deity – Kuladevatha.

Puranic Significance

48 evil deities had worshipped Sastha in this temple and got relieved from the effects of their evil deeds and curses. Lord Devaraja Swami (Deiva Ranga Peruman) assumed this name as the great three Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva also performed pujas here. The temples of Lord Kailasanathar and Lord Valampuri Vinayaka add more importance to this Sastha temple. Veeran is the custodian deity of the place. Lord Sastha is the Kuladevatha of the natives. The Theertha Kulam is opposite the western entrance. Peddaranasami and Pechi Amman in the north, Rakkaperumal in the south with Aswarajan on the opposite side, Uthandarayar in the north grace the devotees. Presiding deity Devaraja Sastha, in his own shrine with a Vimana of 3 Kalasas, with consorts Poornaa and Pushkala is facing west. The Balipeeta and the elephant are on the east. The holy tree is at the centre. Veeran is outside facing east Peddanathasami, Gananatha, Irulan, Sathi and Pathi and Pechi Amman are facing south. Aswath Rajan and Raghava Perumal are on the west. Thoondilkaran is facing north. Vazhikaraiyan is facing east. There are 3 types of Maha Mandapams in the temple to accommodate 1000 devotees at a time. The antiquity of the temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The last consecration of the temple was performed in the year 2011.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Sastha on each Poornima day for relief from black magic effects. It is also believed that joining in the Chithirai month (April-May) pujas would reward the devotees with all prosperity. Realizing their wishes, devotees contribute corns and grains, live goats, cattle, cock etc. to the temple.

Festivals

Purattasi Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Vaikasi Visakam, Thiru Karthikai, Vaikunda Ekadashi and Sravana Deepam are the festivals celebrated here.