Irinjiyur Vedapureeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Irinjiyur Vedapureeswarar Temple, Irinjiyur, Kilvelur Taluk, Nagapattinam District- 611109

Deity

Vedapureeswarar Amman: Vedanayagi

Introduction

• The Vedapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Irinjiyur, Kilvelur Taluk, Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India.
• The presiding deity is known as Vedapureeswarar, while the goddess is called Vedanayaki.
• This temple is recognized as the Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Satti Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Nayanmars.
• It is classified as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, mentioned in the Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar.
• The ancient name of the place was Varinjai, and the temple is referenced in the 7th Thirumurai, specifically in the 39th Patikam of the 7th Song.

Puranic Significance

• Satti Nayanar is the 45th of the 63 Nayanar saints in Hinduism, particularly revered in the sect of Shaivism.
• His life story is chronicled in the Periya Puranam, authored by Sekkizhar in the 12th century.
• Sundarar, a prominent Nayanar from the 8th century, venerates Satti Nayanar in his work, the Tiruthondar Thogai.
• Satti Nayanar is noted for his zeal in defending Lord Shiva and his devotees, famously cutting off the tongues of those who spoke ill of them.
• He belonged to the Vellalar caste of agricultural landowners and lived in Varinjiyur (present-day Nagapattinam).
• Legends portray him as a staunch defender of Shaivism, with tales of him punishing blasphemers, particularly those who insulted Shaivas.
• In folk tradition, he is also known as Kalacittia and depicted with tools like a sickle or knife.
• A shrine in his honor exists in his hometown, and he receives special worship during the Tamil month of Aippasi when the moon enters the Pushya nakshatra.

Special Features

• The temple is a small, east-facing structure with entrances on the eastern and southern sides.
• Nandi and Balipeedam are located facing the sanctum.
• The Sanctum Sanctorum comprises the Artha Mandapam and the sanctum itself.
• The presiding deity, Vedapureeswarar, is represented in the form of a Lingam and is positioned to face east.
• Dwarapalakas (guardian figures) are found at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam.
• The goddess Vedanayaki has a separate shrine facing south.
• Additional shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Satti Nayanar, and Chandikeswarar are present within the temple complex.

Century/Period/Age

8th century

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thevur

Nearest Railway Station

Kilvelur Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

lightuptemple