Vadakurangaduthurai Sri Dayanidheeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Vadakurangaduthurai Sri Dayanidheeswarar Temple, Vadakurangaduthurai, Aduthurai Perumal Koil Papanasam Taluk,Thanjavur District,PIN 614202 PH:9688726690

Diety

Dhayaneetheeswarar, Kulai Vanangi Naathar Amman: Jataamakuta Naayaki

Introduction

Dayanidheeswarar Temple is Hindu temple located at Vadakurangaduthurai in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Lord of this place graces us as Swayambu LingamThe east facing temple has a five-tier tower. It occupies large area with two prakarams (corridors). The main shrine is divided into three parts – sanctum sanctorum, Ardha Mandapa and a long Maha Mandapa. A slightly larger Shiva Linga named as Dayanidheeswarar adorns the sanctum. The bas-relief image of Vaali worshiping Shiva is also found here. The big statues of Dwarapalakas at the entrance of Ardha Mandapa are very attractive. A small idol of Ganesha is also found adjacent to Dwarapalakas. The entrance of Maha Mandapa is adorned with Ganesha, Subramanya and very tiny idols of Sastha with his two consorts.

Puranic Significance

Lord Siva has revealed in many places His miracles. Kurankaaduthurai is the place where Vaali was graced to have his tail grown. It can be asked when Vaali’s tail got cut. Even Ravana was afraid of Vaali. It is said that perhaps the tail was cut when Vaali hit him hard with his tail. He prayed to Lord Siva that his tail should grow. He came to Kurankaaduthurai, prayed to get back his strong tail and his tail grew. Here Lord Siva is called Dayaanidheeswarar. Ambal is Jataamakuta Naayaki. Here Lord Siva has bestowed moksa even to a sparrow. Hence He is also called ‘Chittilingeswarar’. He has poured mercy to all as His name ‘Dayanidhi’denotes. A pregnant woman, ‘Chettippenn’ with acute thirst was walking along near this temple. She was likely to die because of thirst. There was no water in the surrounding. As she was about to breathe her last, she worshipped the Sivalingam there. Lord Siva appeared, bent the nearby coconut tree, plucked the tender coconut and gave her. The lady’s thirst was quenched. So, there is also the name to the Lord, ‘Kulaivanankinaathar’.

Beliefs

Hanuman also had worshipped here to be relieved off some of his sins. To worship the Dakshinamurthi here enhances the ‘gurubalam’, the strength of Guru. The offerings can be done by donning new clothes to Swami and Ambal, and by donating to the temple renovation.

Special Features

The niche images, Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, another Ganesha, Lingodbhava, Ardha Nareeswarar, Brahma and Durga on the external wall of the main shrine are mind blowing. Especially the image of Ardha Nareeswarar is inexplicably beautiful. The nice image of Vishnu Durga graces us with eight arms. It is believed that the milk which is poured (during Abhisheka) on this deity turns blue in color. Usually the bronze images of Nataraja are found in all Shiva temples in South India. However, in this temple there is a sub shrine where the large stone images of Nataraja and Sivakami are found. It is another highlight of this temple. The sub-shrines of Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Chandikeshwarar and Maha Lakshmi are located in the inner prakara. The idols of twin Bhairavas, Surya, the pregnant woman, Naga and Nalvar are also found in this temple. There is a huge open area found between the tower and the main temple structure. Nandi and Bali peetham are located there facing the direction towards the main shrine. In this open area, the shrine of the Goddess Jadamukhuteswari is found facing the southern direction. A separate Nandi is placed facing the Goddess. Navagrahas sub-shrine and a small mandapa are found adjacent to this shrine. The Chola period inscriptions are also found in this temple.

Festivals

Panguni Utthiram and Navarathiri ten days are celebrated with much fanfare. On the Karthigai day it is significant to see women circling round Amman 1008 times