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.

Deity

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

1. Location & Name Origin:

The temple is situated at the confluence of the rivers Sitraru, Kudakanaru, and a tributary of Amaravathy (also called Manimutharu).
Due to this confluence, the place is known as Koodalur (meaning ‘confluence’).
The region was once ruled by a hunter king named Venjaman, who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva.
In honor of his devotion, the place was named Venjamaakoodal.

2. Temple History & Flood Damage:

The temple was washed away in severe floods caused by the river Kudakanaru.
It was later rebuilt in 1982, but it still remains 10-12 feet below road level, indicating the extent of damage caused by the floods.

3. Saint Sundarar’s Divine Encounter with Lord Shiva:

Saint Sundarar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, visited this place but found himself without any gold coins (money).
He prayed to Lord Shiva, requesting Him for wealth.
Lord Shiva, playfully testing Sundarar’s devotion, said that He too had no money to give.
Sundarar, knowing that the Supreme Lord could never be without wealth, insisted on his demand.
Lord Shiva decided to act according to Sundarar’s stubborn faith and devised a divine play.
He made Goddess Parvati take the form of an old lady and descend to earth.
Lord Shiva himself appeared as an old man and pledged his two sons to the old lady in exchange for money.
After this divine play, Lord Shiva blessed Sundarar with gifts of gold for the songs he had sung in His praise.
This episode highlights Lord Shiva’s immense love and kindness for His devotee, Sundarar.

4. Indra’s Redemption from Sage Gautama’s Curse:

Indra, the king of the Devas (celestial gods), developed an improper desire for Ahalya, the wife of Maharishi Gautama.
To deceive the sage, Indra took the form of a rooster and crowed to indicate the break of dawn.
Thinking that it was morning, Maharishi Gautama left his hermitage for a ritualistic bath.
Seizing this opportunity, Indra entered the hermitage in the form of the sage and tricked Ahalya into believing he was her husband.
However, Maharishi Gautama, sensing something unusual, returned early and discovered Indra’s deception.
As Indra tried to escape in the form of a cat, the furious sage cursed him to have a thousand eyes all over his body.
Overwhelmed with shame and sorrow, Indra visited various Shiva temples seeking relief from the curse.
It was in Venjamangudalur temple that Lord Shiva finally took mercy on Indra and absolved him of his sins.

Spiritual Significance of the Temple:

The temple represents Shiva’s benevolence towards devotees who sincerely seek His grace.
The stories associated with the temple highlight the power of unwavering devotion and repentance, showing that Shiva forgives those who surrender to Him wholeheartedly.

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.