Kundadam Sri Kalabairava Vadukanathaswamy Temple, Tirupur

Address

Kundadam Sri Kalabairava Vadukanathaswamy Temple, Palladam to Dharapuram Main Road, Kundadam, Dharapuram (taluk) Tirupur (district) – 638702. Phone: 04258 263 301

Diety

Sri Vadukanathaswamy (Kalabhairavar)

Introduction

The Sri Vadukanathaswamy Temple is an ancient and renowned temple located in Kundadam, near Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Kundadam is situated on the Dharapuram to Palladam Road and is located 10 kilometers from Dharapuram, 35 kilometers from Palladam, and 70 kilometers from Coimbatore. Regular bus services are available from Dharapuram and Palladam to reach the temple.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be between 500 to 1,000 years old, making it a historically significant religious site with a rich cultural heritage. The temple comes under the HRCE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) Inspected division of Dharapuram, indicating its administrative and religious significance.

1. Daily Pujas: Sri Kalabairava Vadukanathaswamy temple conducts three daily pujas, emphasizing the regular worship and devotion offered to the deity.
2. Mythological Significance: According to mythology, the temple’s location was once a forest where Saint Vidangar was engaged in intense penance, meditating on Lord Kasi Viswanathar. In response to a potential threat or interruption to his meditation, Lord Kasi Viswanathar sent Vaduga Bairavar (a form of Lord Shiva) to protect Saint Vidangar.
3. Ant Hills: Saint Vidangar’s penance continued for an extended period, leading to the formation of ant hills that gradually covered him and Vaduga Bairavar. These ant hills served as a protective barrier, isolating them from the outside world.
4. Legend of Pepper Traders: The temple’s mythology also includes an interaction with traders, particularly those involved in pepper trading. Vaduga Bairavar took on the guise of an old Brahmin and requested green gram from the traders, claiming it was for his cough. However, when the traders reached Madurai, the green gram bags had mysteriously turned into pepper. The king of Madurai penalized the traders for the product change.
5. King’s Prayer: The king appealed to Vaduga Bairavar, and the deity confirmed that he had indeed changed the product. The king asked Vaduga Bairavar for a favor—to cure his disabled and mute children. Vaduga Bairavar directed the king to visit the forest and seek the blessings of Saint Vidangar and Vaduga Bairavar. He assured the king that his wishes would be granted.
6. Temple Construction: Following Vaduga Bairavar’s guidance and blessings, the king visited the forest, prayed to the saint and the deity, and constructed a temple in their honor. The temple is dedicated to Bairavar, Vidangeswarar, Goddess Visalakshi, and Somaskandar.
7. Renovations: The temple has undergone renovations and Kumbabishekam (consecration) ceremonies at various times in its history, including in 1952, 1995, and 2008. These events were celebrated in a grand manner to mark the temple’s significance and renew its sanctity.

Festivals

The important festivals are; • Purattasi Navarathri Utchavam • Karthigai Bairava Ashtami • Margali Dhanoor Pooja • Margali Thiruvadi Utchavam • Deepavali • Dark Fortnight of every month • Kiruthikai • Tamil New Year

Century/Period/Age

500-1000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kundadam

Nearest Railway Station

Tirupur

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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