Sri Uthavedeeswarar temple

Overview

The Kuttalam Ukthavedeeswarar Temple is situated in Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India. The historical name of Kuttalam is Tirutturutti Kuthalam. It is a panchayat town in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruthurutthi is the ancient name of the place. The Kuthalam Shiva temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 37th Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauveri praised in Thevaram hymns.

About the Temple

Legend has it that Rudrasanma was proceeding to Kasi for salvation. Lord Shiva wanted to make him understand that this place itself was equal to Kasi. He called Gundodhara to stop his journey taking the form of a serpent. When Gundodhara intercepted his journey as a snake, Rudrasanma chanted the Garuda mantra. The snake fell down fainted. Lord Shiva came their as a snake charmer. Rudrasanma understood who the charmer was. He fell at Lord’s feet. Lord told the devotee that his wish could be realized from this place itself. Only those chanting the name of Lord Uthavedeeswarar are learned. As Lord Shiva’s marriage took place here, any obstacle in wedding proposals would vanish if the devotee prays here. Agni the God of Fire had a grievance. Whatever he touched was destroyed. He prayed to Lord and became a useful energy to people.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Ukthavedeeswarar. His consort is Arumbanna Vanamulai Nayaki.

Legend and Stories

According to legend, Mother Parvathi fell in love with Lord and was determined to have His hand. To realize Her aim, She did not make parents her enemies. She persuaded Lord Shiva to meet Her parents and seek their consent. Lord, an abode of all noble traits, did so. They were happily married with the consent of parents. This is a lesson for modern lovers to follow without antagonizing parents of both sides. Sage Bharatha desired to have Mother Parvathi his daughter and performed intense penance. Lord made Her born to the sage from a Fire Pit – Homa Gunda. She grew and attained the marriageable age. As Her sole desire was to have Lord Shiva Her own Lord, she performed penance on the banks of Cauvery by making a Linga with sand. She also found a Shivalinga there and was happy that Lord Shiva responded Her prayer. Lord appeared from the Linga and took Parvathi by hand. Mother requested the Lord to take Her with the consent of Her parents. Lord too was happy at the suggestion. After a while, Lord sent Nandhi to Parvathy’s parents according to the custom. They were very happy at the offer. The day too was fixed for the wedding. Lord came to this place on His Nandhi the bull vehicle accompanied by the Uddhala tree to give shadow on the way. Lord came to Kuthalam, had mother’s hand in marriage. Remembering the event, Lord Shiva left His sandals (padukas) and the tree.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Mondays of Karthikai-November-December are the festival days of the temple.

Significance

Those facing obstacles in wedding proposals pray in the temple. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Nearby Place To Visit

Kayaroganeswarar

Thanthondreeswarar

Neelakandeswarar

Pallavaneswarar

Aranyeswarar

Naganathar

Accessibility

The temple is 10 km away from Mayiladuthurai. There are buses from Mayiladuthurai to Thirumananjeri pass through Kuthalam. The closest railways are in Mayiladuthurai and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Arumbanna Vanamulai Nayaki- Uthavedeeswarar Temple,
Kuthalam (Tiruthuruthi),
Nagapattinam district