Kodumbalur Idangazhi Nayanar Temple, Pudukottai

Address

Kodumbalur Idangazhi Nayanar Temple, Kodumbalur Village, Illupur Taluk, Pudukottai District- 621316

Deity

Idangazhi Nayanar

Introduction

• Location: Idangazhi Nayanar Temple is located in the village of Kodumbalur, in Illupur Taluk, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Idangazhi Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Nayanmars of the Shaivite tradition.
• Temple Construction: The temple was constructed recently to honor Idangazhi Nayanar, reflecting the ongoing devotion to the Nayanar saints in the Shaivism sect.

Puranic Significance

• Idangazhi Nayanar’s Life: Idangazhi Nayanar was a Shaivite saint from Kodumbalur, and is counted as the 54th among the 63 Nayanmars. His life is detailed in the Periya Puranam, a 12th-century hagiography written by Sekkizhar. He is recognized as an ancestor of the Chola King Aditya I, and was a chieftain who ruled by Shaiva principles, ensuring that worship of Lord Shiva was carried out according to the Shaiva Agama scriptures.
• Legend: One of the prominent legends associated with Idangazhi Nayanar involves his act of compassion towards a fellow Shiva devotee. When a devotee, who had taken a vow to feed Shiva’s devotees, was caught stealing rice from the royal granary due to poverty, Idangazhi pardoned him and recognized the importance of helping devotees. He then declared that any devotee of Shiva could freely take rice and riches from the royal treasury, an act that exemplified his devotion to Shaivism and earned him Lord Shiva’s grace.
• Historical Connections: Idangazhi Nayanar is sometimes linked to the Yadava lineage from Dwarka and the Kalabhara dynasty, which flourished between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE.

Special Features of the Temple

• Architecture: The temple is oriented towards the east, with its structure consisting of a Sanctum Sanctorum, Ardha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam.
• Deities: The main shrine houses an idol of Idangazhi Nayanar. At the entrance of the Ardha Mandapam, there are sub-shrines dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).
• Nandi Mandapam: A colossal Nandi idol is located opposite the temple in a modern Mandapam, a signature feature in most Shiva temples.

Festivals

• Special Worship: The temple is especially active during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November) when the moon enters the Krittika Nakshatra. This period is significant for devotees of Idangazhi Nayanar, who conduct special prayers and rituals in his honor.

Century/Period/Age

500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Viralimalai

Nearest Railway Station

Manapparai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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