Sri Nayanavaradeshwarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sri Nayanavaradeshwarar Temple, Kan Kodutha Vanitham, Thiruvarur District Phone: +91 4366 232019

Diety

Nayanavaradeshwarar Amman: Vedha Nayaki

Introduction

Nayanavaradeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kan Kodutha Vanitham Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Nayanavaradeshwarar and Mother is called as Vedha Nayaki. This ancient 11th century Nayanavaradeshwarar temple is in a dilapidated state. The temple has five tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance and a 3 tier Rajagopuram at the next entrance but both in a dilapidated state.

Puranic Significance

Kan Kodutha Vanitham means the place of the lady who gave away her eyes. According to a legend, a mother prayed to the presiding deity to grant vision to her blind child and in turn offered hers in sacrifice. When her prayer was answered, the mother plucked her eyes and offered them to God and he restored her eyes. And he came to be known as Nayanavaradeshwarar. The deity is said to heal eye diseases and bestows child on the childless

Special Features

This 11th century east-facing temple, constructed on the northern bank of the river Pandavayaru, one of the distributaries of the Cauvery. The Temple is built on an area of 51,300 sq. ft. Theertham of this Temple is called as Thamarai Kulam. The temple tank, Lotus Pond, is in front of the temple. The second gopuram inside the compound and in the Thiruchutru Vayil at the entrance of the Mahamandapam probably with three tiers is in ruins. Traces of a compound wall confirm the existence of two prakarams.