28. SRI VEDAGIRISWARAR TEMPLE THIRUKALUKUNDRAM

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 NayanmarsApparSundararManickavasagar 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.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

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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