Velukkudi Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Velukkudi Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Velukkudi, Thiruvarur district – 614103.

Diety

Rudrakoteeswarar Amman: Komalambikai

Introduction

Rudrakoteeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Velukkudi village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The Presiding deity is called as Rudrakoteeswarar, Mother is called as Komalambikai. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The temple is under the administration of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities department of Tamilnadu.

Puranic Significance

Velvikudi: Sage Vasishta was too sad. He thought that he had committed some mistake in deciding the Muhurta – auspicious day and time – for the coronation of Lord Sri Rama and was responsible for the events then. Though all the Rishis consoled him saying that it was the Chakravaha bird that wrongly pronounced the Mantras and caused sad results and there was no mistake on his part. Yet Sage Vasishta was not satisfied. He felt that there was some deficit in his penance and took on a pilgrimage to Shiva Sthalas. Finally, he came to this place dense with gooseberry trees. While he was about to leave the place, a divine voice said that it was Sani Pradosham day and he should stay there and pray to Lord Shiva here. With pleasant shock and surprise, Sage Vasishta bathed in the holy tank and decided to chant the Rudra Mantra one crore times. He was relieved of the mental agony haunting him for years. Lord Shiva appeared before the sage and granted darshan. Hearing this enlightening story of Vasishta and his penance in the place, the king built this temple and praised the Lord as Rudra Kodeeswarar and named the place as Velvi kudi where the sage performed his Yajna. It was the aim of the king who built the temple and created this place that the sounds of Vedas should ever be echoing in this holy place. He also wished that yajnas be conducted for the welfare of the people. He donated this place with necessary amenities to some Brahmins-Vedic scholars. Yajna in Tamil means Velvi, hence the place was named Velvikudi which later changed as Velukudi. Kings had donated vast fertile lands and cattle for the revenues needed for the maintenance of the temple and conduct of yajnas. Chola King Kulothunga cured of his leprosy: Chola King Kulothunga was suffering from leprosy for a long time. As advised by a divine voice, he came to this place, bathed in the temple tank, prayed to Lord for five Pradosha days and got cured of the deadly disease. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: This is a holy place where enlightened souls as Sages Vasishta and Chandilya, Nandi Deva and Indra worshipped Lord Shiva.

Beliefs

Lord Rudra Kodeeswarar is facing a cremation ground in the west. Those praying to Lord on five pradosha days, they are relieved of worries and confusions in the family. The longevity of women’s Mangal Sutra would be longer. The devotee would be relieved of all debts. Couples separated would be blessed with happy reunion. Devotees perform abisheks to Lord and Mother and offer Vastras.

Special Features

Lord Rudra Kodeeswarar is facing a cremation ground in the west. The place is facing west. In the place of Sanakathi Rishis at the feet of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Sage Chandilya is at his feet. Mother Komalambika is all merciful facing south with a trident in her hands. There are shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga Dakshinamurthy and Mother Durga.

Festivals

The temple conducts special pujas on Pradosha days, with special importance to the day falling on Saturdays – Sani Pradosham and celebrates Maha Shivarathri grandly in February-March.