Chaturvedimangalam Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Chaturvedimangalam, Sivaganga District,

Tamil Nadu -630501

Phone: +91 – 4577 – 246170 / 242981

Moolavar

Rudra Koteeswarar

Amman

Atma Nayaki

Introduction

The Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Chaturvedimangalam, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. The Rudra Koteeswarar Temple is situated in Chaturvedimangalam, which is 6 km east of Singampunari and 17 km west of Thirupputhur. This village is under the administration of Kundrakudi Adikalar Devasthanam.

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Rudra Koteeswarar.
The divine consort of Lord Shiva is Goddess Atma Nayaki.

Puranic Significance

The temple is associated with a significant event where ten million Rudras (Rudrakoteeswarar) attended and worshipped Lord Shiva. These Rudras assist Lord Brahma in his role of creation and worship Lord Shiva with elaborate abhishekams (ritual bathing) at this temple.

Temple Features:

The temple features a 5-tier Rajagopuram (entrance tower).
Siddhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha) also has a shrine in this temple.
The sacred dish offered as naivedyam (food offering) to Lord Shiva is dosa, a popular South Indian delicacy.

Additional Deities and Prayers:

Lord Sarabeswarar has a separate shrine in this temple, and devotees pray to him for noble and successive generations and the removal of family hardships.
The temple features a large Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva).
The Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) are also present in a sitting form.

Special Occurrences:

During the months of Aavani (August-September) and Masi (February-March), the rays of the Sun fall directly on the main deity of Lord Shiva for a week.
The temple is historically associated with the performance of the Aswamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) by Lord Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusha.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

The place is believed to qualify as a sacred site based on five aspects: the presence of the deity, the temple’s reputation, the sacred theertham (holy water source), the sacred tree, and the sacred bird.
The temple holds special significance due to the unique worship of the Sun God and the presence of Rudra Koteeswarar.

Beliefs

People pray here for child boon and relief from ailments. Devotees perform abishek to Mother on full moon days and light lamps, and offer bangle contribution. For Lord Sarabeswara, devotees offer pulse porridge nivedhana

Special Features

The temple is historically significant as it was formerly known as Mattiyur.
According to legend, during a debate between Sage Durvasa and Lord Brahma concerning the procedures of a yajna (ritual sacrifice), Sage Durvasa cursed Lord Brahma. To relieve himself from the curse, Lord Brahma embarked on a journey across the earth to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Lord Brahma installed a Shiva Linga at this location and was granted relief from the curse. He also married Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of wisdom, with Lord Shiva as the witness.
The temple is known for its unique feature of the Sun God worshiping Lord Shiva for a week during the Tamil months of Aavani and Masi. The Sun’s rays are believed to fall directly on Lord Shiva during this period.