Idaikattoor Aazhi Kandeeswarar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Idaikattoor,

Sivaganga District,

Tamil Nadu – 630 602

Mobile: +91- 94438 33300

Moolavar

Sri Aazhi Kandeeswarar (Manikandeeswarar)

Amman

Soundarya Nayaki

Introduction

The Aazhi Kandeeswarar Temple, located in Idaikattoor, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with the worship of the Navagrahas (nine planets).

Temple Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is known as Aazhi Kandeeswarar (Manikandeeswarar), who is an aspect of Lord Shiva.
The divine consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is called Soundarya Nayaki

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old and is situated in Idaikattoor, a place associated with Siddhar Idaikaadar.
Siddhar Idaikaadar was born in this holy land and led a life that combined both marriage and asceticism. Hence, he became known as Idaikaadar.
Idaikaadar installed a Shivalinga in this region and performed intense Shiva Puja.
A significant part of the temple’s history revolves around Idaikaadar’s role in hosting the Navagrahas during a severe famine. He used his sheep to consume a plant called Erukku, which made them immune to its poisonous content, thereby managing the drought situation.

Special Features

The temple’s Thala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Vilwa tree, and it is situated on the northern bank of the Vaigai River.
The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in his form as Aazhi Kandeeswarar, which means that He assesses the deep thoughts and minds of His devotees.
The temple also has a separate shrine for Lord Balasubramanya (Lord Muruga) in the Somaskanda form. Festivals in this temple are primarily dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Although this is primarily a Shiva temple, the temple festivals and pujas are dedicated to Lord Muruga, who is an important deity here.
Devotees of Lord Muruga carry Kavadis (offerings) and participate in fire-walking rituals known as Pookuzhi.

The Shrine for Navagrahas:

Based on the event of Idaikaadar hosting and changing the positions of the Navagrahas, a separate temple was built for the nine planets in this region.
Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings from the Navagrahas, who were pleased with Idaikaadar’s noble intentions and restored prosperity.

Festivals

Special pujas are performed to honor Idaikaadar Siddha on the Arudra – Tiruvadhirai star day.
Devotees facing marriage-related issues or concerned about their children’s well-being offer special pujas to Lord Shiva and Mother Soundarya Nayaki, as well as to Lord Balasubramanya (Muruga).