Thiru Marai Kadar Sri Maraikattunathar Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Thiru Marai Kadar Sri Maraikattunathar Temple, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4369 -250 238

Deity

Maraikattunathar, Vedaranyeswarar(Shiva) Amman: Veena vada vidushani

Introduction

Vedaranyeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, located in the town of Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, India. Vedaranyeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Vedaranyeswarar temple is a part of the series of temples built by Aditya Chola (871-907 CE) along the banks of river Cauvery to commemorate his victory in the Thiruppurambiyam battle. It has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. Thala Virutcham : Vanni and Punnai trees Theertham : Veda Theertham and Mani Karnika

Puranic Significance

Origin of the Name:
- Vedaranyam is named after Vedaranyeswarar, the presiding deity of the Vedaranyeswarar Temple.
- Previously known as Thirumaraikadu, meaning “the place where the Vedas originated.”
- Mentioned in the 7th-century Tevaram by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar.
Vedas Worshipped Shiva Here:
- According to legend, the Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva at this location, leading to the name Vedaranyam.
Rama’s Visit for Absolution:
- Lord Rama visited Vedaranyam to absolve his sins from the war against Ravana.
- Ramar Padam, a site near Vedaranyam, preserves his footprints.
Vedas Locked the Temple’s Main Entrance:
- Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) visited the temple and found the main entrance closed.
- They learned that the Vedas themselves had worshipped Lord Shiva and locked the door.
- Appar sang ten verses, and the doors miraculously opened.
- Sambandar sang another hymn, enabling the doors to function normally thereafter.
Agasthiyar Witnessed Shiva and Parvati’s Divine Marriage:
- Sage Agasthiyar had darshan of Lord Shiva’s wedding with Goddess Parvati at this site.
Rat’s Rebirth as Mavali Chakravarthy:
- A rat accidentally rekindled a temple lamp while trying to drink ghee.
- Due to this unintended act of devotion, it was reborn as Mavali Chakravarthy in its next life.
Birthplace of Paranjothi Adigal:
- Thirumaraikadu is the birthplace of Paranjothi Adigal, composer of Thiru Vilaiyadal Puranam (Siva Leela).
Great Sages and Emperors Worshipped Shiva Here:
- Sages: Agasthiyar, Gowthamar, Vishwamitra, Vashista, and Lord Brahma worshipped here.
- Kings and Heroes: Manu, Mandhadha, Dasaratha, Lord Rama, the Pandavas, and Mahabali received Shiva’s blessings.
Vedas Worship Shiva in the Form of Trees:
- With the arrival of Kali Yuga, the Four Vedas left the place and continue to worship Lord Shiva in the form of trees and vriksham.
- This further reinforces the name Vedaranyam (Forest of the Vedas).

Beliefs

Faith in Divine Relief:
- Devotees believe that sins, serpent doshas, and evil spells disappear upon surrendering to Lord Shiva at this temple.
Manikarnika Spring:
- Bathing in this spring is equivalent to taking a dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Sindh, and Cauvery.
- It is believed to wash away even severe sins like Brahmmahathi dosha (caused by murder).
Aadhi Sethu – The Sacred Sea:
- The eastern sea near the temple is called Aadhi Sethu.
- A single dip in Aadhi Sethu is considered equal to 100 dips in the Rameswaram sea.
- Special bathing rituals occur during:
  - Thai Amavasya (Jan-Feb)
  - Aadi Amavasya (July-Aug)
  - Mahalaya Amavasya (Sep-Oct)
Blessings & Boons from Worship:
- Devotees seek child boon, education, wisdom, prosperity, health, career growth, and mental peace.
- Cradles are tied to the temple tree for childbirth blessings.
- Wedding garlands are offered for marriage blessings.
Remedial Pujas & Offerings:
- Special pujas are performed to overcome hardships and adversities.
- Offerings include:
  - Vastras (clothes)
  - Abhishekam with sandal paste, turmeric, oil, milk, curd, rose water, coconut water, panchamirtham, and sacred ash.
  - Nivedhana (food offerings) to Lord & Mother and distributed to devotees.
Charity & Temple Contributions:
- Annadhanam (mass feeding) is organized for devotees.
- Many contribute towards temple renovations and maintenance.

Special Features

Sage Agasthiyar, Gowthamar, Vishwamitra, Vashista, and Lord Brahma are reported to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this thalam. Great emperors Manu, Mandhadha, Dasaratha, Lord Rama, Pandavas, and Mahabali were blessed by Lord. The main Raja Gopuram of Vedaranyam temple is of five tiers and two Prakaram. Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vedaranyeswarar and his consort known as Veda Nayaki Amman / Veena Vadha Vidushani. The temple is one of 64 Sakthi Peetam known as Sundari Peetam. Thiyagarajar here is known as Bhuvani Vidangar. The dance of Thiyagesar here in this temple is known as Hamsa Nadanam. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Maram and Punnai Maram. Teertham is Manikarnigai and Veda Teertham.

Festivals

29 day Masi Magam Brammotsavam in May-June with the event of the opening of the closed doors of the temple in the past, when Lord goes to sea on the Magam star day and the procession of 63 + 10 celebrated Nayanars, procession of Lord in Kailash Vahan; 10 day Aadi Pooram in July-August, a festival dedicated to Mother Ambica; Vinayaka Chaturthi in AugustSeptember; Skanda Sashti in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple. There will be huge devotee crowd on Pradosha days – 13th day of New Moon or Full Moon days. Special pujas are performed in the temple for Lord and Ambica on Deepavali, Makar Sankranti, Tamil and English New Year days.