Thiruvedhikudi Sri Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruvedhikudi Sri Vedapuriswarar Temple, Tiruvedhikudi,Tiruvaiyaru Taluk,Thanjavur district,PIN 613202 PH:9345104187

Diety

Vedapuriswarar Vazhaimadunathar (Shiva) Amman: Mangayakarsai

Introduction

Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi or Vazhaimadunathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvedhikudi near Tiruvaiyaru. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Appar and Campantar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th century Tamil saint poets, Appar and Campantar. The temple lies on Kudamurutti river. God was emanating from banana tank and hence called Vazhaimadu nathar. Lingam here is called Vedapuriswarar.God was emanating from banana tank and hence called Vazhaimadu nathar. Lingam here is called Vedapuriswarar.The Pranava manthra “OM” came here and worshiped Lord Shiva, where ever the Pranavam goes the Vedha will follow, hence Pranava manthra “OM” consider to be the peak in Vedhas, because all Vedhas worshiped the lord here, this place is called as Vedhikudi. This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Vethiar (priest) for Nandhi’s Marriage. Thala Virutcham : Vilwa Theertham : Vaidha theertham

Puranic Significance

A demon had stolen the Vedas from Lord Brahma and hid them under the sea. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu retrieved them. To get relief from this sin (“dosham”), all the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana, visited this place and worshiped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is believed to have blessed them with purification. This is another reason why the lord is praised as Sri Vedhapureeswarar and the place is known as Vedhikudi. Lord Vinayakar’s idol is at the entrance of the sanctum and it is in a unique posture. The lord’s head is slightly tilted, and it appears as if he is listening to the mantras chanted by the Vedas. Hence, he is praised as “Sri Veda Pillaiyar” and “Sri Sevi Saitha Vinayakar”. Another legend associated with this temple is that of a Chola king. It is believed that his daughter’s marriage was getting delayed. The king was worried, and he worshiped Lord Shiva here to seek his help. Pleased with his prayers, the lord granted wedding boon to his daughter. After her marriage, the king is believed to have changed his daughter’s name to Mangayarkarasi (the name of this temple’s goddess). It is believed that Lord Brahma, Suryan, Kuberan, Sage Chaitanya Maharishi, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Saint Thirunavukarasar have worshiped the lord here.God was emanating from banana tank and hence called Vazhaimadu nathar. Lingam here is called Vedapuriswarar. The Pranava manthra “OM” came here and worshiped Lord Shiva, where ever the Pranavam goes the Vedha will follow, hence Pranava manthra “OM” consider to be the peak in Vedhas, because all Vedhas worshiped the lord here, this place is called as Vedhikudi. This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Vethiar (priest) for Nandhi’s Marriage. As per another legend, a Chola king was praying for his daughter’s marriage for a long time. By the grace of Mangayarkarasi, the presiding deity of the temple, the king’s daughter got married. He renamed her daughter Mangayarakarasi. As per another legend, Vedhi in Tamil means Brahma. Since Brahma worshiped Shiva in the place, it came to be known as Thiruvedhikudi.

Beliefs

Devotees contribute for the renovation of the temple and perform abishek and aradhanas offering vastras to Lord and Mother. Devotees contribute for the renovation of the temple and perform abishek and aradhanas offering vastras to Lord and Mother.

Special Features

The Arthanareeswara form of Lord Shiva has Shakti on the left. But with a view to give importance to womanhood, Lord is on the left and Mother on the right in the Arthanareeswara form in this Tiruvedhikudi temple. Lord Vedapureeswarar is a Swayambumurthy. Rays of Sun God fall on the presiding deity on 13, 14 and of Panguni month March-April. As Lord Brahmma (Vedhi) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the place is named Tiruvedhikudi. Those worshipping Lord Vedapureeswarar will become scholars in Vedas. The four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva – had worshipped Lord in this temple. Lord Vinayaka, enjoying the sound of the Vedas, listened to the recitation by leaning His ears with all attention. He thus assumed the name Veda Pillayar. As many scholars well versed in Vedas live here, the place was also once known as Chaturvedi Mangalam.

Festivals

This is the fourth sacred Shiva sthalas among the seven where Lord Aiyarappar of Thiruvaiyaru pays His visit during the Chithirai month covering April-May.