Thiruvahindrapuram Sri Devanathaswamy Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Thiruvahindrapuram Sri DevanathaSwamy Temple,Thiruvahindrapuram,Cuddalore,91-4142-287515

Deity

Devanatha Perumal, Amman: Vaikunda Nayagai

Introduction

• Location: Thiruvanthipuram, village near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India
• Deity: Vishnu, worshipped as Devanathaswamy
• Consort: Lakshmi, worshipped as Hemabhujavalli
• Significance:
  • One of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu.
  • The temple is renowned for being the only historical temple in South India with a shrine dedicated to Hayagriva, the horse-faced avatar of Vishnu.
  • The temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
  • Glorified in the Divya Prabandha by Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
• Historical Inscriptions:
  • Contains fifty inscriptions from prominent rulers including Kulothunga Chola I, Vikrama Chola, Rajaraja Chola III, Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan, Vijayanagara king Achyuta Deva Raya, and Koperunjinga.
  • Built during the Medieval Cholas with expansions during the Pandya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara Empires.

Puranic Significance

• Origin Story:
  • Originally believed to have housed a Shiva temple.
  • A Chola ruler, who was a Saiva fanatic, aimed to demolish the Vishnu temple in the region. However, the appearance of Vinayagar and Dakshinamurthy (icons found in Shiva temples) startled the ruler.
  • The deity, Vishnu, is believed to have appeared before the king, acknowledging the oneness of the almighty.
• Deity’s Iconography:
  • The image of Devanathaswamy holds a lotus (symbolizing Brahma) and has a third eye (symbolizing Shiva), representing the oneness of the divine.
• Historical Name Changes:
  • The region was originally called Tiruvaheendrapuram, named in honor of Adisesha (Vaheendran), who is believed to have propitiated Indra, the king of celestial deities.
  • The name evolved into Thiruvanthipuram over time.

Special Features

• Unique Icons:
  • The temple houses the only shrine of Hayagriva in South India.
  • The presiding deity, Devanathaswamy, is depicted with a lotus in hand and a third eye like Shiva.
• Historical Significance:
  • The temple serves as a symbol of the unity of various divine forces, blending elements of both Vishnu and Shiva worship.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam (Major Festival):
  • A 12-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April – May).
  • The Brahmotsavam is a major event attracting large gatherings of devotees.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvahindrapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Tiruppapuliyur

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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