Venjamakoodal Sri Vigirthanatheswarar Temple, Karur

Address

Venjamakoodal Sri Vigirthanatheswarar Temple, Sri Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar Temple, Venjamangudalur, Aravakkurichi Taluk, Karur District, Tamil Nadu – 639 109. Tele: +91-4324- 262 010.

Diety

Vigirthanatheswarar Amman: Madura bashini

Introduction

Located at Venjamangudalur near Karur, this temple is classified as one of the Kongu Naattu temples. Karuvoor Aanilai is another Shivastalam located nearby. The sanctum of this temple bears depictions of the 7 Thevara temples in Kongu NaaduThe temple is counted as one of the temples built on the banks of River Kaveri. Chitaru, joins Amaravati River and another tributary named Kudanganaru runs near the temple. Legend has it that a hunter king by name Venchan is said to have worshipped Shiva here and hence the name Venchamaakoodal. Shiva is said to have appeared in the guise of an old priest and blessed Sundarar with gold. The king of Devaas, Indiran, is said to have worshipped the Lingam here to get rid of his sins. Theertham (Holy water): Vilva Theertham/ Vikrita Theertham. Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vilvam

Puranic Significance

This east facing temple is located at the junction of rivers Sitraru and Kudakanaru and a tributary of river Amaravathy (also called Manimutharu). Hence, this place gets the name Koodalur (confluence). A hunter king by the name of Venjaman, who ruled this place is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence this place is also called Venjamaakoodal.The temple was washed away by severe floods in the river Kudakanaru. It was rebuilt in the year 1982. However, this temple is still 10-12 feet below the road level, which shows the possible impact of the damages done during the flood. The legend is that when Saint Sundarar came to this place, he was left with no money (gold coins) and prayed to Lord Shiva to give him some money. Lord Shiva wanted to play with him and said that he also had no money to give Sundarar. Saint Sundarar said that the Lord cannot be without money and pressed his demand. Lord said that he would have to pledge something to give money to Sundarar. The Saint simply said that he did not care about his problem and stuck to the demand. Lord Shiva made Goddess Parvathi come to the earth as an old lady. When she came, Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of an old man and pledged his two sons to her in exchange for money. Then he blessed Sundarar with gifts of gold for the songs he had sung here. The story emphasizes the kindness that Lord Shiva shows to his friend and ardent devotee, Sundarar. Another legend associated with this temple is that Indiran, the king of the Celestial Gods (Devars) developed a desire for Akalya, wife of Maharshi Gautama. He entered into his hermitage in the guise of a rooster and cried indicating the breaking of dawn. Innocent Maharshi left the hermitage for the river to have his morning bath. Then, Indiran entered into the hermitage in the guise of the Maharishi. Akalya thought the entrant was her own husband. Meantime, the sage, finding that there was more time for the dawn and returned home sensing some mischief. Seeing the Rishi, Indiran, tried to escape in the guise of a cat but was cursed to have eyes on his whole body. Reeling in confusion, Indiran began to visit various Shiva temples to seek relief from this curse. Venjamangudalur is the temple where Lord Shiva finally heard his pleas and absolved him from his sins.

Beliefs

It is believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here will result in the re-union of estranged couples. Lord Shiva of this temple also goes by the name of “Vikirtheeswarar”, which means the lord who grants us all that is good. Devotees can seek absolution of sins by worshipping Lord Shiva here.

Special Features

This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 5th Shiva Sthalam in Kongu Nadu. It is believed that the Lord Vigirtheeswarar is a Swaymbumurthy (self-manifested). On the doors of Lord Shiva’s sanctum sanctorum, depictions of all the seven Devara Padal Petra Sthalams in Kongu Naadu are beautifully engraved.Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. Greatness of this temple It is believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here will result in the re-union of estranged couples. Lord Shiva of this temple also goes by the name of “Vikirtheeswarar”, which means the lord who grants us all that is good. Devotees can seek absolution of sins by worshipping Lord Shiva here.

Festivals

The significant festivals celebrated are – 10 day Brahmmotsavam in Masi (February-March), Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January), Annabishekam in Aipasi (October-November), Tirukarthikai in November-December and Mahashivrathri in February-March.