18. SRI KADAIMUDI ESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUKKADAIMUDI (KEEZHAYUR)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	72nd Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - North
Chola Naadu - North	18th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

The Sthala Vruksham of this temple is Kiluvai tree, hence this place gets the name Kiluvai Oor. This was later changed to Keezhayur / Keezhur. Since this place was made up of seven hamlets earlier, it is also called Ezhur (“Ezhu” means seven in Tamil). This is the place where river Cauvery finally merges with the Bay of Bengal. Hence it is also called “Kadai Mudi” (“Kadai” means end in Tamil). Lord Shiva here is praised as Sri Kadai Mudi Nathar which can literally be translated as “the lord who protects till the end of time”.

Lord Brahma:

Lord Brahma had incurred a curse from Lord Shiva due to his excessive pride and arrogance. To seek relief, he worshiped Lord Shiva in many places including this temple. Brahma created a tank here, performed abhishekam to Lord Shiva from this water and worshiped him. Pleased with his worship, it is believed that Lord Shiva granted darshan to Brahma under this temple’s Sthala Viruksham (Kiluvai Tree). Lord Brahma was also finally relieved from his curse. The theertham created by him is known as Brahma Theertham and Lord Shiva here is also praised as Sri Kiluvai Nathar and Sri Aadhi Nathar.

Sage Kanva Maharishi:

Sage Kanva Maharishi had worshiped Lord Shiva in this place after taking holy dip in the river Cauvery. He later attained salvation. The “ghat” (a set of steps leading down to a river) where he used to take bath is known as “Kanva Mahaan Thurai”. 

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        River Cauveri changes its direction from north to west here.
·        This is west facing temple with beautiful arch.
·        There is no flag post (Dwajasthambam) here. 
·        The main Shivalingam is made up of 16 plate faces (“Pattai” in Tamil). It is known as “Sodasa lingam”. In Hindu mythology, wealth is classified under 16 heads. Hence it is believed that those worshiping this lingam will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.
·        In this place, river Cauvery changes its direction from north to west. Taking a dip in the river here is considered to be very auspicious.
·        In this temple, Navagraham is placed on a hexagonal platform and the idols are not in their normal positions.
·        The idols of both lord Dakshinamurthy and Bairavar have an earring in only one of their ears. 

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Kadaimudi Eswarar, Sri Kadaimudinadhar, Sri Antha Samrakshaneswarar
Ambal	Sri Abhiramavalli
Theertham	Brahma Theertham, Kavery, Karuna Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Kiluvai tree

BELIEF:

Devotees believe that by worshiping the lord here, obstacles from their marriage proposals will be removed. Married women can worship the lord here to seek marital prosperity (“Dheerga Sumangali Bagyam”).

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Avani	Aug-Sept	Vinayakar Chathurthi
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Thai	Jan-Feb	Makara Sankranthi
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Annabishekam
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Thiruvadhirai

HOW TO REACH:

Thiru Kadaimudi is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Mayliaduthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar route. Take the diversion road from Sathiram bus stand and proceed further for about 2 kms to reach this temple. Kadaimudi is located at a distance of about 2 kms from Sembanar Koil.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Kadaimudi Eswarar Temple,
Thiru Kadaimudi,
Keezhayur,
Sembanar Koil Via,
Dharangambadi,
Nagapattinam,
Tamil Nadu - 609 304.

LOCATION: