Sattiyakkudi Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sattiyakkudi Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Sattiyakkudi, Thiruvarur District – 610207. Mobile: +91 94424 46077

Diety

Sri Vedapureeswarar Amman: Vedha Nayaki

Introduction

Vedapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sattiyakkudi Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vedhanathar / Vedapureeswarar / Rig Vedha Nathar and Mother is called as Vedha Nayaki. The Temple is believed to be built during 4th century A.D. This Temple is mentioned as “Ezh Irukkai” in Thiruvisaippa. It is considered as a Thiruvisaippa temple sung by Karuvur Thevar.

Puranic Significance

King Devathatha got cured of his leprosy here: A king called Devathatha was cursed by Saattiyayana Maha Rishi as a result of which he suffered from Leprosy. The Rishi pardoned him later and asked him to take bath in Vedha Theertham of Sattiyakkudi Temple and worship the Vedha Nayaka. On reaching Sattiyakkudi, he came to know that the place was worshipped by Saandilya Maharishi. The dip in the tank cured the disease and he returned to his place after receiving the blessings of the Lord. Kamala Vinayaka: Saandilya Rishi had worshipped this Ganapathy with Lotus that blossomed in Vedha Theertham. Hence he is also known as Kamala Vinayaka. Sivapuran Thozhan: Kubera, known as Vaisravana in his previous birth became the King of Alagapuri as he lighted Deepams in many Siva Temples. Later he was blessed by Shiva to become his friend. Kubera has worshipped Vedapureeswarar at Sattiyakkudi. Karuvur Thevar refers Kubera as “Sivapuran Thozhan”. Jatyakudi: Jwara devatha, the devatha of fevers, worshipped the Lord here and so the place is called Jatyakudi (Chattiyakudi). Seven Aasanaas of Lord Shiva: This temple is mentioned as “Ezh Irukkai” in Thiruvisaippa. It means that, The Lord is seated on seven aasanaas namely, Ananthaasana, Simhaasana, Yogaasana, Vimalaasana, Padmaasana, Veeraasana, Vimalaasana Urdhwam.

Special Features

The West facing temple has a three tier Rajagopuram in the front. Presiding Deity is called as Vedhanathar / Vedapureeswarar / Rig Vedha Nathar and Mother is called as Vedha Nayaki. Moolavar is little big housed on square Avudayar. Kamala Vinayaka shrine is located at the right side after entering the outer prakaram. The separate shrine of Vedha Nayaki is on the right of Vedapureeswarar shrine. The Goddess is tall and faces west. Deities of Karuvur Thevar and Saandilya Rishi are seen in the prakara. Special worship is conducted to Karuvur Thevar on full moon days. Chandikeswari shrine is present in the mandapam. Vedha Theertham, the Temple Tank is considered holy as it cures many diseases. People take bath on auspicious occasions like Pournami days of the Tamil months, Maasi and Vaikasi as Jwara Devathai took bath here and worshipped Rigvedha Natha Swami. Vanni, the Holy Tree, on the south east is very old and making rounds around the Tree is said to remove sickness and bring peace.