6. SRI MAGUDESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUPPANDI KODUMUDI (KODUMUDI)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	264th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Kongu Naadu
Kongu Naadu	6th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar),and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar)

HISTORY:

There was a competition between Adiseshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) and Vayu (Lord of the Winds) to determine who is stronger. Lord Indiran prescribed certain rules to conduct the competition. They put Mount Meru at the centre and it was held tightly by Adiseshan, Vayu blew the wind with all his might to push Adiseshan. In the ensuing struggle, Meru’s peak (Magudam) split into 5 pieces and fell in five different places.

It is believed that the pieces came down as 5 different gem stones – Red Corel at Thiruvannamalai, Ruby (Manickam) at Rathinagiri (Thiruvatpokki), Emerald (Maragatham) at Engoimalai, Sapphire (Neelam) at Pothigaimalai and Diamond at Kodumudi. As per legend the Diamond that feels at Kodumudi became the Swayambulingam (self-manifested lingam) and the rest of the stones became hills. Since the origin of the lingam is from the Meru, the lord is called Magudeswarar.  

The temple has epigraphs from the time period of King Sundarapandiyan Kesari’s rule.The temple is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. There are three adjacent temples inside the same premises for Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. All the three towers are east facing.

It is also said that one of the Pandya Prince’s fingers were not growing enough. The King prayed to this Lord after taking a dip in the river and soon his son’s fingers grew to normal size.  To show his gratitude, the King constructed the three main towers (Gopurams) and renovated this temple. Because of the association with Pandya kingdom, this place is also called Pandikkodumudi.

Sage Agasthiyar and Sage Bharadwajar:

Sage Agasthiyar installed and worshiped the idol of Lord Shiva and his finger prints can be seen on the deity.It is also believed that Kodumudi is the place where Lord Shiva performed a dance for Sage Bharadwajar. It is also said that both these sages were blessed with Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan here.

Performing ritual ceremonies and 60th birthday:

Devotees throng the place in large numbers for performing ritual ceremonies (Tarpan/Shradh) for their ancestors on the new moon day on the banks of river Kaveri. Devotees can also be seen celebrating their 60th birthday here with Poojas (Ayushya Homam) for longevity.

Serpent (Nagar) worship here:

Serpent (Nagar) worship because Adiseshan was responsible for the origin of this temple. Majority of the devotees come here seeking relief from the adverse effects of Naga Dosham and they install a small stone Nagar under the Vanni tree.

Ancient Vanni tree:

Historians are not able to estimate the age of the ancient Vanni tree of the temple. Under this tree, there is Lord Brahma’s idol with three faces. The age of this tree may be more than 3000 years.  It is believed that if a leaf from this tree is put in a pot of water, the water’s purity lasts for years. Interestingly, certain portion of the tree has thorns and certain portions are devoid of any thorns. It also does not blossom or bear any fruits.Although Lord Brahma is said to have four faces, in this temple Lord Brahma’s idol has only three faces and the Sthala Viruksham (Vanni Tree) is said to be his fourth face.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This is a famous Sthalam for performing rituals to satiate one’s ancestors.

·        This is also a Parikara Sthalam for Naga Dhosham.

·        Special Poojas are performed in this temple on new moon, full moon and “Pradosham” days. 

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Magudeswarar / Sri Kodumudinathar
Ambal	Sri Vadivudainayaki/ Sri Panmozhiyalammai
Theertham	Kaveri, Bharathwaja Theertham, Brahma Threertham and Deva Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Vanni Tree

BELIEF:

Those afflicted by Raghu Dosham (adverse effect of planet Raghu) and those facing obstacles in marriage or child birth may pray here for relief.

For longevity and betterment of life, people perform Poojas (abhishekam) to Lord Vinayakar using an equal number of pots of water as their age.

It is believed that those who take a dip in the river Kaveri and worship the Lords Shiva and Vishnu, will be cured of diseases and will get relief for their ailments.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Chithirai	Apr-May	11 days Chithirai Thirunal
Aadi	July-Aug	Aadi Perukku

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is about 40 kms from Erode and 25 kms from Karur. Kodumudi has a railway station on Trichy to Erode route.  Nearest airport is at Coimbatore and Trichy both are at a distance of about 110 kms. 

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Magudeswarar Temple,

Tirupandikodumudi (Kodumudi),

Erode,

Tamil Nadu-638 151.

LOCATION: