Urachikottai Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple, Erode

Address

Urachikottai Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple, Erode

Urachikottai, Vedagiri Hill,

Erode District, Tamilnadu – 638301.

Moolavar

Vedagiriswarar

Amman

Vedanayaki

Introduction

• Location: Urachikottai village, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, on Vedagiri hill.
• Deity: Lord Shiva as Vedagiriswarar and Goddess Vedanayaki.
• Geographical Context: Part of the Panchagiri (five hills), it is situated on the western side of the Cauvery River, 5 km from Bhavani.
• Special Mention: Vedagiri hill is renowned for several Saiva Vaishnava temples.

Puranic Significance

• Mythological Story:
  • Lord Indra’s Worship: To atone for Brahma dosha, Devendra worshiped Vedagiriswarar at this hill.
  • King Shankaralingam’s Devotion: The king dreamt of Lord Aranganathar instructing him to build a temple and use the miraculous spring water atop the hill, which cured his daughter’s chronic stomach ache. This water spring, known as Nandipali or Podu Khana Sunai, is believed to have healing properties.
  • Unique Spring: The water remains cold and does not receive direct sunlight, making it a revered source for curing ailments.
  • An 1867 inscription near the spring adds historical significance.

Beliefs

• Vedagiriswarar is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees and provide blessings.

Special Features

• Temple Age: The temple is estimated to be over 1000 years old.
• Vedic Ganesha Shrine: Located after climbing 18 steps from the spring.
• Sanctum Details:
  • Shrines for Vedagiriswarar, Kalyana Subramaniyar, and Vedanayaki, all facing east.
  • Somaskandar Kalyana Subramaniyar in the central mandapam.
  • Navagrahas in the northeast and Bhairava in the northwest.
  • Chandikesvara’s wives are in the southwest of the Ambal sanctum.
• Miraculous Spring: The Nandipali spring is a major highlight for devotees seeking its healing properties.

Festivals

• Daily Rituals: Three daily pujas are performed at the temple.
• Special Occasions:
  • Saturdays: Special decorations.
  • Bhairava Worship: Held on Teipira Ashtami, Amavasai, and Pradosha days.
  • Full Moon Day: Krivalam (circumambulation) is performed.
  • Major festivals include:
    • Ippasi Annabhishekam
    • Karthikai Maha Deepam
    • Maha Shivratri
    • Panguni Uthram Festival

Century/Period

1000 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Urachikottai

Nearest Railway Station

Erode

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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