Andankoil Katchi Kodutha Nathar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Andankoil Katchi Kodutha Nathar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Andankoil, Needamangalam Circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu – 612804

Moolavar

Katchi Kodutha Nathar

Introduction

Andankoil Katchi Kodutha Nathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Andankoil, Needamangalam circle, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Andankoil village is a small village temple on the south bank of the river. A tin shed temple has been built for the single lingam that was adjacent to the serpent’s head. A new Nandi idol is erected in front of the lord. The Lord has a big linga murthy in the east facing Sanctum. As the snake is decapitated, a row of Nagar idols are placed under a vanni tree and worshipped. As the Lord has shown the king and the minister here, he is seated under the name of Katchi Kodutha Nathar. The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

When Kandadev, the minister of Emperor Musukunda, was bringing stone to build the Thiruvarur temple, Vanni appeared under the tree and blessed him. When Emperor Musukunda Chakraborty was building a temple in Thiruvarur, a minister named Kanda Devar went to bring stone and it was dark when he returned. Vanni saw a lingam standing under a tree and worshiped it. He brought a stone and a handful of lime from every cart going to Thiruvarur and completed building a small temple at this place. King, on hearing this ordered to cut off his head saying that he had done a fine. It is a mythological story that the Lord stopped the king and saved both of them. The minister’s name was Kandadev and hence Kandadev Koil became Andavarkoil and Andankoil.

“With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.