Kilvelur Sri Kediliyappar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sri Kediliappar-Akshayalinga Swamy Temple, Kilvelur, Tiruvarur district -611 104 PH:04366-276733

Diety

Kediliyappar, Amman: Sundarakujambal

Introduction

The templs is said to be around 1000 to 2000 years old. This is one of the Mada Temples built by the Chola king, Kotchengannan. The Anju Vattathu Amman Koil here is quite popular amongst the devotees. The temple also houses the Shiva Linga worshipped by Sage Agasthya. Lord Nataraja s said to have given darshan to Sage Agasthya in a unique pose while dancing.

Puranic Significance

In order to cleanse himself of the sin he had incurred while slaying the Asuraaa, Surapadma, Lord Skanda went to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva directed Krthikeya to create a spring in Keezh Velur and worship him to achieve the purpose. Lord Muruga, along with his Nava-Nine commanders, reached Keezh Velur to proceed with his prayers. As a prelude to the worship, Lord Muruga made a Vinayaka with turmeric (Manjal in Tamil) powder. Turmeric denotes auspiciousness, otherwise known as Badra. Hence Lord Vinayaka cem to be known as Badri Vinayaka and the place near Velur came to be known as Manjadi. With the help of Maya the celestial sculptor, Lord Skanda built a beautiful Temple for Lord Shiva with a Vimana called Pushkala Vimana. With the help of his Spear (Vel) he created a spring on the east entrance, and took bath in the water along with his commanders and his army. Completing all the preludes, Lord Muruga began his deep penance on Lord Shiva. As the penance grew intense, evil spirits began to spoil the Lord’s penance. Lord Muruga reached out to his mother, Sakthi and sought her help. Mother Parvathi, appeared in the form of Anju Vattathu Amman – Mother covering five circles – four directions and the sky and destroyed the evil spirits thereby protecting Lord Muruga and his penance.