time Thu, Mar 28, 2024 8:05 PM
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tirukazhukundram
tirukazhukundram

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Vedagiriswarar. Here Lord Shiva is in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam and it is located on a hilltop. The Moolavar is Vedagiriswarar and Ambal is Sokkanayaki. The theertham is Changu theertham and the sthala vriksham is kadali (plantain) tree. Several Saivaite saints and poets such as Appar, Sundarar, Manickavaasagar, Pattinathaar, Arunagirinathar, Tiruporur Chidambaram Swaamigal, Andagakavi Veeraraga Mudaliar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Ramanathapuram Somasundaram Pillai, Kanchipuram Mahavidwan Sabapathi Mudaliar have sung the praise of this sthalam.

Vedagiriswarar was worshipped by Indra, Thillothama (a dancer in Indra's court), Garuda (mount of Vishnu), Ashtavasus and many Rudras. He has been praised in the songs and verses of the four great Tamil saints — Appar, Sambandar, Sundaramurthi and Manickavasagar. The inner walls of the sanctum contain many images, all carved out of the rock surrounding the presiding deity. In the enclosure around the sanctum, are the shrines of Goddess Sokkanayaki and Vinayaka (in a dancing pose).

tirukazhukundram

The total area covering the temple and hill is over 265 acres and 500 feet high and the hilltop can be reached by ascending 562 well-laid stone slabs. On the way there are small mandapams, for pilgrims to rest. The steps and the walls on the sides have been built from donations. For the infirm and the aged, dholis carried by two persons are available at nominal charges.

WORSHIP PLACE OF LORD INDIRA

It is believed that Lord 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 10 th November, 1930.

tirukazhukundram
GIRIVALAM (CIRCUMAMBULATION OF FOOTHILL)

Next to Thiruvannamalai, Girivalam is observed by devotees here too on full moon days and tuesdays. Lakhs of people join the event. It is said that the Girivalam practice was in vogue in this temple even before it began in Thiruvannamalai. It is further believed that praying to Lord Vedagireeswarar for a period of 45 days will bless the couple with a child.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

09.30 A.M - 12.30 P.M.

04.30 P.M - 07.30 P.M


*Timings are bound to vary during the festivals.

PAKSHI DHARSHAN

Sacred EAGLE VISUAL Point
tirukazhukundram