16. SRI VADUKEESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUVADUKUR (THIRUVANDARKOIL)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	48th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Nadu Naadu
Nadu Naadu	16th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

This temple associated with a demon called Mundasuran. After rigorous penance, he was blessed with a lot of powers by Lord Shiva. He also obtained the power that he could not be killed by other demons or devas.He started misusing his powers by harassing Lord Brahma and other celestial gods. They complained to Lord Shiva and sought his intervention. Lord Shiva directed Vaduka Bairavar, one of the eight Bairavars, to destroy the demon.After killing Mundasuran, it is believed that Vaduka Bairavar worshiped the lord here to seek relief from the Brahmahathi dosham (the sin accrued by the act of killing).  Hence the lord here is named “Sri Vadukeeswarar” and this place known as “Vadukur”. The historical name of this place is Vadukur and that of the temple is Andarkoil. However, over a period of time, this place’s name has been changed to Thiruandarkoil. Currently, this temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, Department of Culture, Government of India.

Lord Shiva removed one head of Lord Brahma:

Another legend associated with this temple is that of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma, the creator, had five heads like Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma was very proud of this equality. Once Goddess Parvathi mistook Lord Brahma as Lord Shiva and extended the honours which Lord Brahma did not refuse. The confusion arose because both had five heads. To remove this confusion, Lord Shiva decided to remove one head of Lord Brahma and he did this here. Lord Brahma realized his mistake, he pleaded to Lord Shiva to pardon him, which Lord Shiva acceded to. It is believed that this event took place here. As Lord Shiva removed one head of Lord Brahma, the lord here is praised as Sri Vadukeeswarar (“vaduku” means to pluck in Tamil).

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        The lord of this temple, Lord Vadukeeswarar is slightly leaning towards the left side. There are scars on the lingam, As respect to lord a turban is tied on the head.

·        This temple is constructed in a style that is similar to that of Tanjore temple but it is much smaller in size. 

·        The significant feature of this temple is that the idol of Sri Anjaneyar is next to that of Lord Brahma. In the front hall (Mandapam), there is an idol of Lord Krishna where he can be seen standing between two serpents.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Vadukeeswarar, Sri Panchanadeeswarar, Sri Vadukurnathar
Ambal	Sri Tiripurasundari, Sri Vaduvakirkanni
Theertham	Vamanadeva Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Vanni tree

BELIEF:

The Artha Mandapam (hall) in front of Lord Shiva’s shrine has eight pillars. Devotees believed that worshipping the lord from this hall will reward the devotees with prosperity and happiness and worshipping Lord at this spot would bring royal honours and benefits to the devotee.  

Devotees believe that worshiping the lord of this temple would bless them with better job opportunities and promotions in works. Majority of people pray for promotion in jobs and to conquer arrogance and ego. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord.

Special abisheks are performed to Lord Vadukeeswarar and Lord Bhairava on Ashtami days for removal evil effects. 

Devotees believe that facing problems in wedding matters and suffering from illnesses perform abishek to Lord Bhairava with honey and sugarcane juice and feed the dogs.

Lord Muruga on his peacock vehicle turning left graces with His six faces, 12 hands and weapons.  Saint Arunagiriar in his Thirupugazh hymns ensures that the devotee would be relieved of all his/her sins if they worship Muruga in this form.

Mother Durga graces from wall around the sanctum with her hands ready for a war.  Devotees pray here for success in their efforts.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Chittirai(Tamil New Year)	Feb-Mar	wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is celebrated on the day of the Tamil New Year. It mostly falls on 14th of April every year.
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Thai	Jan-Feb)	Thai Poosam
Vaikasi	May-June	Vaikasi Visakam
Aippasi	Nov-Dec	Skanda Shashti
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai

HOW TO REACH:

Thiruvadukur is at a distance of about 22 kms from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry to Villupuram route. From Villupuram it is about 20 kms.

Nearest railway station is Chinnababu Samudram (4 kms) on the Villupuram to Pondicherry railway line.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Vadukeeswarar Temple,

Tiruvandar Koil Post

Kandamangalam Via,

Puducherry – 605 102.

LOCATION: