Sattiyakkudi Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sattiyakkudi Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Sattiyakkudi, Thiruvarur District – 610207. Mobile: +91 94424 46077

Deity

Sri Vedapureeswarar Amman: Vedha Nayaki

Introduction

Location: Sattiyakkudi Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
Deities:
- Presiding Deity: Vedhanathar / Vedapureeswarar / Rig Vedha Nathar
- Mother: Vedha Nayaki
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century A.D. It is referenced as “Ezh Irukkai” in the Thiruvisaippa, a devotional work sung by Karuvur Thevar.

Puranic Significance

The temple has a rich mythological background, marked by several significant legends:

Cure of King Devathatha: King Devathatha, cursed by Saattiyayana Maha Rishi, suffered from leprosy. After the Rishi pardoned him, he was instructed to bathe in Vedha Theertham at Sattiyakkudi Temple and worship Vedha Nayaka. Upon doing so, he learned that the place was also worshipped by Saandilya Maharishi. The bath in the holy tank cured his leprosy, and he returned home blessed by the Lord.
Kamala Vinayaka: Saandilya Rishi worshipped Ganapati using a lotus that bloomed in Vedha Theertham, thus earning the name Kamala Vinayaka.
Sivapuran Thozhan: In a previous birth, Kubera (known as Vaisravana) was blessed by Shiva for lighting lamps in many Shiva temples. He worshipped Vedapureeswarar at Sattiyakkudi, and Karuvur Thevar refers to Kubera as “Sivapuran Thozhan”.
Jatyakudi: The place is named Jatyakudi (or Chattiyakudi) because Jwara Devatha, the deity of fevers, worshipped the Lord here.
Seven Aasanaas of Lord Shiva: The temple is mentioned in Thiruvisaippa as “Ezh Irukkai,” indicating that the Lord is seated on seven aasanaas (seats):
- Ananthaasana
- Simhaasana
- Yogaasana
- Vimalaasana
- Padmaasana
- Veeraasana
- Vimalaasana Urdhwam

Special Features

Architecture: The temple faces west and features a three-tier Rajagopuram (gateway tower) at the front.
Moolavar: The main deity, Vedapureeswarar, is housed in a square Avudayar (base) and is slightly larger than typical representations.
Shrines:
- The shrine of Kamala Vinayaka is situated to the right after entering the outer prakaram (outer courtyard).
- A separate shrine for Vedha Nayaki is located to the right of the Vedapureeswarar shrine. The Goddess is depicted as tall and faces west.
Deities in Prakara: Shrines for Karuvur Thevar and Saandilya Rishi are present in the outer courtyard.
Special Worship: Devotees conduct special worship for Karuvur Thevar on full moon days.
Chandikeswari Shrine: This shrine is located within the temple mandapam (hall).
Vedha Theertham: The temple tank is considered sacred and is believed to cure various diseases. Many people bathe here on auspicious occasions, especially during Pournami (full moon) days in Tamil months like Maasi and Vaikasi. Jwara Devathai is believed to have bathed here and worshipped Rigvedha Natha Swami.
Vanni Tree: A holy Vanni tree in the southeast is ancient. Circling this tree is thought to alleviate sickness and bring peace to devotees.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important festivals, with Masi Magam and Navarathri being particularly special, drawing in many devotees for prayers and celebrations.