Vedapureeswarar Temple

Overview

The Vedapureeswarar temple is located in Therazhundur, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India. The main deity is Vedapureeswarar and Amman is Soundaraambigai. This temple is a 274 Sivalayam Koil. The temple is situated is located on the eastern side of the Tiruvazhundur village. It is situated right across a temple for Lord Vishnu which is one of the Diyva Desam shrine. The shrine for female deity Soundaraambikai is situated outside the main Siva temple. Sage Agasthiyar, Markandeyar and Kaveri are said to have obtained salvation at this sthalam. The famous poet Kambar, who authoured Kamba Ramayanam, was born at this place.

About the Temple

Story goes that Sage Agastya was worshipping the Lord of this place. King Urthuvaradan, without knowing this, was driving his car along the sky-space. The car paused and did not move. Thus, this holy place came to be known as ‘Therazhundur’. The Lord was worshipped by the Vedas, Devas, Ashtadik Balakas and sages. The mandapam where Lord Siva and Vishnu played dice game is still there. During the period when Siva and Shakti were separated, Indra and other Devas came here to meet them. But, Nandi did not allow them to meet Lord Siva. So the Ashtadik Balakas installed Lingam around the city and worshipped. The Lingas are still seen here. Kaveri and Sage Agastya were relieved of their curses here. So they each have a separate Sanctum.

About The deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Vedapureeswarar. His consort is known as Soundaraambigai.

Legend and Stories

Once, Parameswara and Mahavishnu played a game of dice with Parvati as the umpire. At one point, there was a doubt on the number on the dice. The umpire Parvati supporting Perumal found fault with Siva. The infuriated Siva cursed Parvati to become a cow. Lord Vishnu felt that because of him only Parvati became a cow and so incarnated as a cowherd in this place. So, the name of the Perumal of this sacred place became ‘Aamaruviappan’. Parvati who became a cow went to several sacred places, prayed and finally came to this holy place, worshipped Lord Siva and got back her beautiful figure. She was called ‘Soundaryanayaki’. Those who want their beauty to be liked by others can receive Grace from this Ambal. Lord Siva regretted for having cursed Parvati as a cow, came here and taught Veda to the priests -- hence the holy name of the Lord, ‘Vedapureeswarar’.

Festivals

A flag is hoisted ten days before Chitra Pournami day and ends with Car festival.

Prasad and Offering

When their prayer is granted, they perform abhishekam for Swami and Ambal, and offer new clothes

Best time to visit

On the Tamil month Maasi (February to March) Surya Poojai performed in temple. This poojai held on 23rd, 24th of the month that is the best time to visit this temple. The Chariot festival celebrated on every year Chitra Pournami day is also the best time to worship this temple.

Significance

Those, who desire their beauty should be appreciated by others, pray to Ambal.

Nearby Place To Visit

Kayaroganeswarar
Thanthondreeswarar
Neelakandeswarar
Pallavaneswarar
Aranyeswarar
Naganathar

Accessibility

One can fly to the Civil Airport on a regular basis. There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Nagapattinam. Nagapattinam is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

Temple Address

Arulmigu Vedapureeswarar Tirukkoil,
Therazhundur Post
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam District.
Pincode – 609 808