Thirundhuthevankudi Sri Karkadeswarar Temple- Ayilyam Nakshatra

Address

Thirundhuthevankudi Sri Karkadeswarar Temple, Thirundhuthevankudi – 612 105, Veppathur post, Thiruvidaimarudhur Taluk, Thanjavur District. Ph. No: 435 – 2000 240, 99940 15871, 99650-77862

Deity

karkadeswarar Amman: Somaskandar

Introduction

• Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Swayambumurthy in the temple.
• Unique feature: Presence of two Goddesses, Arumarundhu Nayaki (Goddess of rare medicine) and Apoorva Nayaki, housed in separate shrines.
• The Shivalinga bears:
  • A hole caused by Karkadam (a crab/sea creature).
  • An injury scar caused by Lord Indira.
• This temple is associated with Ayilyam (Aslesha) Nakshatra, the ninth among the 27 nakshatras.
• Ayilyam Nakshatra-born individuals can offer prayers for resolving horoscope-related issues, achieving peace, prosperity, wealth, and good education.

Puranic Significance

• Sage Durvasa:
  • Mocked by a Gandharva for walking like a crab, Sage Durvasa cursed him to become a Nandu (crab).
  • The Gandharva sought forgiveness, and the sage advised him to worship Lord Shiva for relief.
  • The Gandharva worshipped Shiva and regained his original form.
  • Thus, Lord Shiva earned the name Karkadeswarar (Lord of the Crab).
• Lord Indira’s Redemption:
  • Indira, the king of Devas, sought redemption for his wrongdoings by following his Guru Brihaspati’s advice.
  • He worshipped Lord Karkadeswarar with 1,008 flowers daily after a dip in the temple’s Pushkarini (holy tank).
  • The place is named Tirundhu Devan Kudi, meaning “the place where Indira corrected himself.”
  • The temple is also locally known as Nandu Koil (Crab Temple).
• The Two Ambikas:
  • During temple construction, the king could not find the original Ambika idol and installed a newly crafted one, naming her Arumarundhu Nayaki.
  • Later, the original idol appeared, which was also installed and named Apoorva Nayaki, the primary goddess of the temple.

Beliefs and Devotee Practices

• Ayilyam Nakshatra Connection:
  • Those born under Aslesha (Ayilyam) Nakshatra and Karkadaga Rasi (Cancer) are believed to possess natural healing abilities and divine backing.
  • They are advised to pray on their star days, new moon days, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Ashtami days in the new moon fortnight.
• The temple is also visited by individuals seeking cures for prolonged or chronic illnesses.

Special Features

• Swayambumurthy Shivalinga:
  • Features a hole made by the Karkadam (crab).
  • Bears a scar caused by Lord Indira.
• Two Goddesses:
  • Arumarundhu Nayaki (Goddess of rare medicine).
  • Apoorva Nayaki (Principal Goddess).

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated in February-March with grandeur.
• Tirukarthikai: Celebrated in November-December with devotion.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvisanallur

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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