Sri Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, Keezha Kadambur

Address

Sri Rudra Koteeswarar Temple, Keezha Kadambur, Mela Kadambur Post, Kattumannarkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District 608 304 Mobile: +91 99431 33058

Diety

Rudra Koteeswarar / Rudrapathi Amman: Soundara Nayagi

Introduction

Rudra Koteeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Keezha Kadambur Village in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rudra Koteeswarar / Rudrapathi and Mother is called as Soundara Nayagi. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6th Thirumurai in 70st Patikam in 5th Song.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is also called as Kadambai Ilangkovil. Ilangkovils are the temporary temples built to avoid obstruction in conducting Poojas to the deities when the original temple undergoes renovation. Presiding Deity is called as Rudra Koteeswarar / Rudrapathi and Mother is called as Soundara Nayagi. Idols of Saptha Mathas Indrani, Brahmi, Varahi, Chamundi, Maheshwari, Goumari and Vaishnavi have been excavated and kept in the Temple premises. Two Lingas in dilapidated condition and a Nandhi can be found outside the sanctum. The temple depicts the history of Nayanmars in sculptures. Some of the names of Nayanmars are found in the inscriptions in Adhistanam. These inscriptions are dated back to 12th Century AD. These sculptures predate the Darasuram Temple, commissioned by Rajaraja Chola II. Scenes depicting Karaikal Ammaiyar departure to Kailash in inverted position, Story of Kannappa Nayanar and Chandikeswarar and Thadagai, a female saint worshipping Lord Shiva are noteworthy sculptures of this Temple.