5. SRI KALYANAVIKIRTHESWARAR TEMPLE AT VENJAMANGUDALUR

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	263rd Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Kongu Naadu
Kongu Naadu	5th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar)

HISTORY:

The temple was washed away by severe floods in the river Kudakanaru. It was rebuilt in the year 1982. However, this temple is still 10-12 feet below the road level, which shows the possible impact of the damages done during the flood. This east facing temple is located at the junction of rivers Sitraru and Kudakanaru and a tributary of river Amaravathy (also called Manimutharu). Hence, this place gets the name Koodalur (confluence). A hunter king by the name of Venjaman, who ruled this place is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence this place is also called Venjamaakoodal.

Saint Sundarar demanded money to Lord shiva:

Saint Sundarar came to this place, he was left with no money (gold coins) and prayed to Lord Shiva to give him some money. Lord Shiva wanted to play with him and said that he also had no money to give Sundarar. Saint Sundarar said that the Lord cannot be without money and pressed his demand. Lord said that he would have to pledge something to give money to Sundarar. The Saint simply said that he did not care about his problem and stuck to the demand. Lord Shiva made Goddess Parvathi come to the earth as an old lady. When she came, Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of an old man and pledged his two sons to her in exchange for money. Then he blessed Sundarar with gifts of gold for the songs he had sung here. The story emphasizes the kindness that Lord Shiva shows to his friend and ardent devotee, Sundarar.  

Lord Indiran worshipped Lord for his curse:

This temple is that Indiran, the king of the Celestial Gods (Devars) developed a desire for Akalya, wife of Maharshi Gautama. He entered into his hermitage in the guise of a rooster and cried indicating the breaking of dawn. Innocent Maharshi left the hermitage for the river to have his morning bath. Then, Indiran entered into the hermitage in the guise of the Maharishi.

Akalya thought the entrant was her own husband. Meantime, the sage, finding that there was more time for the dawn and returned home sensing some mischief. Seeing the Rishi, Indiran, tried to escape in the guise of a cat but was cursed to have eyes on his whole body. Reeling in confusion, Indiran began to visit various Shiva temples to seek relief from this curse. Venjamangudalur is the temple where Lord Shiva finally heard his pleas and absolved him from his sins.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        On the doors of Lord Shiva’s sanctum sanctorum, depictions of all the seven Devara Padal Petra Sthalams in Kongu Naadu are beautifully engraved.

·        Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sung in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Kalyanavikirtheswarar / Sri Vikirthanatheswarar
Ambal	Sri Mathurabhashini / Sri Panner Mozhi Ammai / Sri Vikirthanayaki
Theertham	Vilva Theertham/ Vikrita Theertham.
Sthala Vriksham	Vilvam

BELIEF:

It is believed that worshipping Lord Murugan here will result in the re-union of estranged couples.

Lord Shiva of this temple also goes by the name of “Vikirtheeswarar”, which means the lord who grants us all that is good. Devotees can seek absolution of sins by worshipping Lord Shiva here.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Maasi	Feb-Mar	10 days Brahmotsavam (Maasi Maham festival)
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Thiruvadhirai
Aipasi	Oct-Nov	Annabishekam
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is about 22 kms from Karur. Route: Karur- Aravakkurichi- Venjamangudalur.  Town Bus route: Karur to Atrumedu. Nearest railway station is at Karur. Nearest airport is at Trichy which is 80 kms away from this place.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar Temple,

Venjamangudalur,

Aravakkurichi,

Karur District,

Tamil Nadu – 639 109.

LOCATION: