Tirupandikodumudi (Kodumudi) Sri Magudeswarar Temple- Erode

Address

Tirupandikodumudi (Kodumudi) Sri Magudeswarar Temple-, Tirupandikodumudi (Kodumudi), Erode District, Tamil Nadu-638 151. Tele: +91- 4204-222 375.

Diety

Kodumudinathar, Magudeswarar Amman: Madura Bashini

Introduction

The Magudeswarar Temple in Kodumudi is a large Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Erode district of Kongu nadu, Tamil Nadu, India. This is the sixth temple in Kongu, the region praised in the Thevaram hymns. it is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. The sage Agastya is associated with this temple.The temple is about 40 km from Erode and about 25 km from Karur in Erode district. Theertham (Holy water): Kaveri, Bharathwaja Theertham, Brahma Threertham and Deva Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vanni Tree

Puranic Significance

The temple is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. There are three adjacent temples inside the same premises for Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. All the three towers are east facing. The temple has epigraphs from the time period of King Sundarapandiyan Kesari’s rule. Legend: According to the legend there was a competition between Adiseshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) and Vayu (Lord of the Winds) to determine who is stronger. Lord Indiran prescribed certain rules to conduct the competition. They put Mount Meru at the centre and it was held tightly by Adiseshan, Vayu blew the wind with all his might to push Adiseshan. In the ensuing struggle, Meru’s peak (Magudam) split into 5 pieces and fell in five different places. It is believed that the pieces came down as 5 different gem stones – Red Corel at Thiruvannamalai, Ruby (Manickam) at Rathinagiri (Thiruvatpokki), Emerald (Maragatham) at Engoimalai, Sapphire (Neelam) at Pothigaimalai and Diamond at Kodumudi. As per legend the Diamond that feel at Kodumudi became the Swayambulingam (self-manifested lingam) and the rest of the stones became hills. Since the origin of the lingam is from the Meru, the lord is called Magudeswarar. It is also believed that Sage Agasthiyar installed and worshiped the idol of Lord Shiva and his finger prints can be seen on the deity. It is also believed that Kodumudi is the place where Lord Shiva performed a dance for Sage Bharadwajar. It is also said that both these sages were blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan here.

Beliefs

Those afflicted by Raghu Dosham (adverse effect of planet Raghu) and those facing obstacles in marriage or child birth may pray here for relief. For longevity and betterment of life, people perform Poojas (abhishekam) to Lord Vinayakar using an equal number of pots of water as their age.

Special Features

Deities in the temple: Near the Ambal Shrine, there is a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi. Amongst other deities, Idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Hanuman, Navagraham are in the corridors. Lord Mahavishnu is named here as Pallikonda Perumal and Veeranarayana Perumal. The mythological significance of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma temples inside this premises is that they are believed to be worshiping Lord Shiva. Devotees throng the place in large numbers for performing ritual ceremonies (Tarpan/Shradh) for their ancestors on the new moon day on the banks of river Kaveri. Devotees can also be seen celebrating their 60th birthday here with Poojas (Ayushya Homam) for longevity. This is a place for Serpent (Nagar) worship because Adiseshan was responsible for the origin of this temple. Majority of the devotees come here seeking relief from the adverse effects of Naga Dosham and they install a small stone Nagar under the Vanni tree. Historians are not able to estimate the age of the ancient Vanni tree of the temple. Under this tree, there is Lord Brahma’s idol with three faces. The age of this tree may be more than 3000 years. It is believed that if a leaf from this tree is put in a pot of water, the water’s purity lasts for years. Interestingly, certain portion of the tree has thorns and certain portion are devoid of any thorns. It also does not blossom or bear any fruits.Although Lord Brahma is said to have four faces, in this temple Lord Brahma’s idol has only three faces and the Sthala Viruksham (Vanni Tree) is said to be his fourth face. Speciality of the Theertham: It is believed that those who take a dip in the river Kaveri and worship the Lords Shiva and Vishnu, will be cured of diseases and will get relief for their ailments. It is also said that one of the Pandya Prince’s fingers were not growing enough. The King prayed to this Lord after taking a dip in the river and soon his son’s fingers grew to normal size. To show his gratitude, the King constructed the three main towers (Gopurams) and renovated this temple. Because of the association with Pandya kingdom, this place is also called Pandikkodumudi. Greatness of Temple: Those afflicted by Raghu Dosham (adverse effect of planet Raghu) and those facing obstacles in marriage or child birth may pray here for relief. For longevity and betterment of life, people perform Poojas (abhishekam) to Lord Vinayakar using an equal number of pots of water as their age.

Festivals

“Chithirai Thirunal” festival is celebrated for 11 days in the months of April-May and is the main festival of this temple. Devotees also come in huge numbers on the “Aadi Perukku” day in July-August. Special Poojas are performed in this temple on new moon, full moon and “Pradosham” days.