Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 28th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Thondai Naadu |
Thondai Naadu | 28th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)
and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) |
HISTORY:
Vedagiriswarar
temple is a Hindu temple dedicated
to the god Shiva located in Tirukalukundram (also
known as Thirukazhukundram), Tamil Nadu,
India.
Tirukalukundram
is known for the Vedagiriswarar temple complex, popularly known as Kazhugu koil
(Eagle temple). This temple consists of two structures, one at the foot-hill
and the other at the top-hill. The main attraction, the large temple hill-top
temple houses the deity of Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the
foot-hills is dedicated to his consort Parvati, known
here as Thiripurasundari Amman. The temple at the foot-hills has four towers (gopurams)
closely resembling the architecture of the Annamalaiyar Temple
The
word Thirukazhukundram comes from the Tamil words Thiru (Respectful), Kazhugu
(Vulture/Eagle), Kundram (mount). It was known as
"Thirukazhugukundram" in ancient times, which over time became
Thirukazhukundram. The town is also known as Pakshi Theertham (Bird's Holy
Lake) because of a pair of birds -Most likely Egyptian vultures-
that are believed to have visited the site for centuries. These birds are
traditionally fed by the temple priests and arrive before noon to feed on
offerings made from rice, wheat, ghee and sugar. Although punctual, the failure of
the birds to turn up was attributed to the presence of "sinners"
among the onlookers. Legend has it the vultures (or "eagles")
represent eight sages who were punished by Shiva with two of them leaving in each of a series
of epochs. It has also been known as Uruthrakodi, Nandipuri, Indrapuri,
Narayanapuri, Brahmapuri, Dinakarapuri, Muniganapuri in the past. There are
many inscriptions in the temple. It is also called Pakshitirtham.
Sage Bharadwaja:
Sage Bharadwaja prayed
to the god Shiva for a long life so he could learn all the Vedas.
Shiva appeared before him and granted him the wish to learn the Vedas and
created three mountains each signifying a Veda (Rig, Yajur and Sama).
Shiva took a handful of mud and said "Dear Bharadwaja! The Vedas that you
could learn are only this handful compared to the mountains present here, even
if you live much longer and hence, learning is never ending and could possibly
cannot be the route for Salvation". Shiva also said that in Kaliyuga, the
simplest and the surest way to salvation is Bhakti or
unfettered devotion, service and love of God and his creations. It is believed
that the hill on which the Vedagiriswarar temple is built, is the mountains
signifying the Vedas created by Shiva himself. The name Vedagiriswarar means
"the Lord of the Vedic Mountains" in Sanskrit.
Sri Vedagiriswarar:
Lord
Sri Vedagiriswarar resides at the top of Hills. The four Hills - nothing but a
grouping of the Four Vedas - requested the Lord to be present on the top. This
is the traditional description of the Lord of the hills. And so he is called
Vedagiriswarar.
The Bakthavatchalaeswarar Temple:
The
annexe to the temple is called the Bakthavatchalaeswarar Temple. Situated in an
area of ten acres, this temple is surrounded by many Theerthams. Four colossal
gopurams adorn this temple. There is also a special shrine for Goddess
Thirupursundari Amman. Other praise worthy features are the exquisite sculpture
and architecture of the temple. The magnificently sized compound wall and
curved mandapams also lend personality to the peerless beauty of the temple.
Sangu Theertham:
There
exists in the town a big tank known as SANGU THEERTHAM. Water from this is
taken for the Abishekam of the deities. It has been demonstrated that the water
in the tank contains mineral properties capable of curing diseases if taken for
a long period. The tank is called SANGU THEERTHAM, because once in twelve years
a Sangu or Conch comes and floats over the water. The birth of the SANGU is
celebrated and it is taken to the temple in procession and kept under lock and
key. On 04.05.86 one conch came out and was taken, with temple honours, in a
grand procession.
In Praise of Thirukalukundram:
Thirukalukundram
is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in Tamilnadu, renowes for its Hill
Temple ad Sangu Theertham. it isnamed after the sacred Eagles who visit every
noon at the Hill Temple called Pakshi Theertham and the Kaliash of South India.
Sri Vedagiriswarar, the Lord of the Hill Temple, has been prasied in song and
verse by the four great tamil Saints - Thirugnana Sambandhar, Thirunavukarasar,
Sundaramurthi Swamigal and Manickavasakar. Other saints who have immortalised
the magnanimity of the presiding deity in marvellous verse are Pattinathar, Sri
Arunagirinathar, Sri Ramalinga Vallalar, Chidhambara Swamigal and Anthagakavi
Veeraragava Mudaliar.
The Significance of the Eagles:
A
unique Phenomenon takes place at Thirukalukundram everyday. At noon, two eagles
appear over the temple to workship the Lord. Then they come down to a rock
where sweet rice is offered. To watch these eagles taking the food is a rare
experience. And thousands of people from all over the country visit this place
to witness this miracle. These sacred Eagles are belived to be sons of Lord
Brahma, who for their sins were cursed by Lord Shiva to be born on Earth as
Eagles.
To Attain "Moksha" and regain their original forms, they have to
workship the deity of this temple till the end of Kailyuga. While these sacred
Eagles were known as Sandan & Prasandan in Thretha Yuga, Sambathi &
Jadayu in Krutha Yuga, Sambhukthan & Mukundan in Dhawapara Yuga, in Kali
Yuga they are now known as Pusha & Vidhadha.
Lord Indra:
It
is believed that Indira is still worshipping Lord in this temple. As an
evidence of this fact, thunder falls through a hole in the tower above the
sanctum sanctorum (Vimana) and goes around the Shivalinga. Unbearable heat is
experienced while opening the sanctum next day. This happens once in a few
years. Scientists had proved that such an incident took place on the 10th
November, 1930.
Greatness Of Temple:
Kazhugu
in Tamil means eagle and kundram the hill, hence the name of the place Tiru
Kazhu Kundram. Even today two eagles visit the temple every day to accept the
rice offered to them. This is the place where Saint Sundarar got gold from
Lord. Vedas are in the form of this hill. Crores of Rudras and Siddhas
performed penance and attained salvation here. The environment is so suitable
for those to do meditation peacefully. The glory of the place and Lord of the
temple are praised by saivite saints, Pattinathar and great poets. Lord granted
darshan to Saivite Saint Manickavasagar in this place. Devotional poet
Arunagiriar describes the place as the one equal to Amaravathi the capital of
Indira. King Suraguru had Lord’s darshan. Sage Markandeya blessed by Lord of
Kasi (now Varanasi) came to this place and performed abishek to Lord when a
conch appeared in the abishek water. This theertha praised as Markandeya
theertha produces a conch even now once in 12 years. There are 12
theerthas-sacred springs-around the hill named 1) Indira, 2) Shambu, 3) Rudra,
4) Vasishta, 5) Meignana-true wisdom. 6) Agasthya, 7) Markandeya, 8) Kausika,
9) Nandhi, 10) Varuna, 11) Akalika and 12) Pakshi theerthas.
Sages Poosha and Vruddha:
Two
sages Poosha and Vruddha performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking Sharoopa
status. Lord modified their demand and granted the Sayujya status and promised
elevation to Sharoopa later. The sages refused to accept the offer and were
adamant on their demand. Angry Lord cursed them to become eagles. Since then
they are in this hill known as Shambu and Aadhi and are worshipping Lord with
the Pakshi Theertha they had created. It is believed that these eagles use to
bathe in Rameswaram, eat in Kazhukundram and stay at Kasi each day. The feeding
of the eagles is going on for thousands of years, it is believed. King
Suraguru, to whom Lord granted darshan was instrumental for the creation of
this sacred place, says the history.
People who worshipped here:
This
Lord has been workshipped by Indra, Thilothamai, a dancer of Indra's court.
Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Ashtavasus and many more Rudras.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
Thefour Nayanmars, Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar and Thirugnanasamandhar visited the temple complex and composed hymns
in praise of Vedagiriswarar.
·
A shrine, Nalvar
Koil, is dedicated to them. Arunagirinathar composed
many of his hymns of Thirupugazh in Thirukazhukundram.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
Moolavar |
Sri
Vedagiriswarar, Sri Bhaktavatsaleswarar |
Ambal |
Sri
Tiripura Sundari |
Theertham |
ShanguTheertham |
Sthala
Vriksham |
Plantain |
BELIEF:
A
big tank known as SANGU THEERTHAM. Water from this is taken for the Abishekam
of the deities. It has been demonstrated that the water in the tank contains
mineral properties capable of curing diseases if taken for a long period.
Disease of any intense nature as asthma, blood pressure, and heart are cured by
prayers to lord. They breathe the air with herbal effects and get cured.
Devotees
also come here seeking wedding, child boons.
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
Chithirai |
Apr-May |
10 day Chithira festival |
Aadi |
July-Aug |
Aadi Pooram |
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thirukarthikai |
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
HOW
TO REACH:
This
temple is located 10 Kms west of Mahabalipuram and 14 Kms. from Chengalpattu on
the Chengalpattu - Mahabalipuram road.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Vedagireeswarar
Temple,
Tirukkazhukundram,
Kancheepuram,
Tamil Nadu – 603109.
LOCATION:
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