Vadukakudi Kashi Viswanathar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Vadukakudi Kashi Viswanathar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Vadukakudi, Thiruthurapoondi Circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610207

Moolavar

Kashi Viswanathar

Amman

Kashi Vishalaksi

Introduction

1. Location:
   • Situated in Vadukakudi Village, Thiruthurapoondi Circle, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
   • The presiding deity is Kashi Viswanathar and the goddess is Kashi Vishalakshi.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The name “Vadukakudi” originates from the Vijayanagara Nayak kings, who were referred to as Vadukars. The term “Vadugu” is found in the names of their towns, and this area came to be called Vadukakudi.
   • The temple is believed to be 600 years old.
   • The temple is located by a large pond, with Vadugabhairava facing west and Kashi Viswanathar facing east.
   • Mother Vishalakshi is situated to the south.
   • The temple was once in ruins but has been revived. The temple complex features Nandi and various idols scattered around.
   • The architectural structure lacks a formal sanctum sanctorum, but a porch is built on the south side, with a Muppum Mandapam linking the two sanctuaries.
   • Nandi Mandapam is placed at the outer part of the temple complex, but work on the surrounding walls is still incomplete.
   • The temple is connected with a legend where Lord Shiva, in the form of Vadukabhairava, subdued Lord Brahma by grabbing one of Brahma’s five heads, after which places associated with this event are named Vadugan, with Vadukakudi being one of them.
3. Beliefs:
   • Worship here is believed to provide blessings similar to those associated with Kashi Viswanathar in Varanasi, making this temple a significant pilgrimage site.
4. Special Features:
   • The temple complex includes Vadugabhairava (facing west) and Kashi Viswanathar (facing east).
   • Nandi, Vinayakar, and Balamurugan are located near the Lord’s shrine.
   • A unique feature of the temple is the absence of a traditional sanctum sanctorum and the presence of a porch and Mandapams.
   • The temple’s walls are still under construction, reflecting its ongoing restoration.
5. Festivals:
   • Regular worship and significant temple festivals are celebrated, although specific details of festivals are not mentioned in the description.

Century/Period

600 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Vadukakudi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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