Amirthakateshwarar Temple ( Karakkoil ) / Mela Kadambur Amirthakadeswarar Temple / அமிர்தகடேஸ்வர கோவில், மேல்கடம்பூர், Melakadambur, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 88^th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 34^th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. During Thevara times this place was called Kadambur and is now called Mela Kadambur, since a part of this place is called Kezha Kadambur. 

 

In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar mentions that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after the darshan of Lord Shiva of Thiruvalaputhur. 

சீர்வளர் கோயிலை அணைந்து தேமலர்க்

கார்வளர் கண்டர்தாள் பணிந்து காண்பவர்

பார் புகழ்பதிகங்கள் பாடி நீடுவார்

வார்பொழில் கடம்பையும் வணங்கி வாழ்ந்தனர்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal in one of his hymns mentions that his aim is to do the work ( en kadan pani seithu kidappathee –என்கடன் பணிசெய்து கிடப்பதே ) and also mentions the name of people Kinnaras ( Half human and half bird ) who plays the musical instrument rudra veena in the temples.

வானமர் திங்களும் நீரும் மருவிய வார்சடை யானைத்

தேனமர் கொன்றையி னானைத் தேவர் தொழப்படு வானைக்

கானம ரும்பினை புல்கிக் கலைபயி லும்கடம் பூரில்

தானமர் கொள்கையி னானைத் தாள்தொழ வீடெளி தாமே

........ திருஞானசம்பந்தர் தேவாரம்

தளரும் கோளர வத்தொடு தண்மதி

வளரும் கோல வளர்சடை யார்க்கிடம்

கிளரும் பேரிசைக் கின்னரம் பாட்டறாக்

களருங் கார்க்கடம் பூர்க்கரக் கோயிலே

........ திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

                                                            --“பாரில்

உடம்பூர் பவத்தை யொழித்தருளு மேன்மைக்

கடம்பூர் வாழ் என் இரண்டு கண்ணே

......... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Amirthakadeswarar

Consort    : Sri Vidhyu Jyothi Nayaki, Sri Jyothiminammai.

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is believed to be made of Navapashanam (nine herbals). The sanctum sanctorum was built like a chariot with wheels and pulled by horses. The sanctum was adorned with koshtas. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy on Rishabam, Brahma and Durgai,.

In prakaram Vinayagar, Nalvar, Mahalakshmi, Durvasa, Bhairavar, Shaniswarar, Chandran, Suryan and Navagrahas. Natarajar Sabha is in the inner mandapam.

The 15th Century Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this Temple.    

நாரணன் சீராம கேசவன் கூராழி

        நாயகன் பூவாயன்                 மருகோனே

    நார தும் பூர்கீத மோதநின் றேயாடு

        நாடகஞ் சேய்தாள                 ரருள்பாலா

சூரணங் கோடாழி போய்கிடந் தேவாட

        சூரியன் தேரோட                   அயிலேவீ

    தூநறுங் காவேரி சேருமொண் சீறாறு

        சூழ்கடம் பூர்தேவர்                 பெருமாளே  

ARCHITECTURE:

The Temple architecture book Mayamatham mentions about 13 types of Vimanas, of which Karakoil is also one of the type. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal mentions various types of temples in his Thevara hymns, like Perunkoil, Madakoil, Karakokoil, Gnalakoil, Kokudikoil, Ilang Koil, Manikoil, Alakoil (Gajabirushta Vimana), etc.. in his Thevara hymns and this temple comes under Karakoil. This temple was constructed like a Chariot with wheels and horse pulling etc,.

பெருக்காறு சடைக்கணிந்த பெருமான் சேரும்

        பெருங்கோயில் எழுபதினோ டெட்டும் மற்றுங்

கரக்கோயில் கடிபொழில்சூழ் ஞாழற் கோயில்

        கருப்பறியற் பொருப்பனைய கொகுடிக் கோயில்

இருக்கோதி மறையவர்கள் வழிபட் டேத்தும்

        இளங்கோயில் மணிக்கோயில் ஆலக் கோயில்

திருக்கோயில் சிவனுறையுங் கோயில் சூழ்ந்து

        தாழ்ந்திறைஞ்சத் தீவினைகள் தீரும் அன்றே.

...................திருநாவுக்கரசர் தேவாரம்.  

During Appar period the original temple may be built with bricks. It is believed that based on the descriptions given by Appar in Thevara hymns, the temple was built by Kulothunga Chozha as stone Temple.

The temple was Constructed / re-constructed during the Kulothunga-I period. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of a Sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam, and a Mukha mandapam. The Adhisthana is of Padma bandha adhisthana on a upa peeda. The adhisthana consists of 18 different distinct moldings, like Upana / Upapeda, Padma, Jagathi, Silambu Kumuda, Kanda, pattikai and Kapota. The Vimana is of Nagara style with kirtimukha with round kalasa. The prasthara kapotam has karna kudus with various deity images. The first level of the vimana is with 8 (Octagonal) surfaces and the vimana Sikara is of vesara. The Vimana is with 6 parts (6 angkangkaL)

Huge-sized sculptures are around the wall of the sanctum sanctorum. Also bas- reliefs of Lord Shiva stories, history of ( 63 ) Nayanmars, some the episodes of the epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Ravana Anugraha murti, Chakratharana murti etc. Even small spaces are completely occupied by the minutely carved images of various deities. It is believed that the temple exists in all 4 yugas. Hence the deity sculptures belonging to the 4 yugas are carved on the walls. Below the sculptures, it is inscribed as in which yuga they worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

The sculptures are Lord Shiva as Alingana Murthy and Gandhara are positioned adjacent to each other with Ma Parvati in two different contrasting moods. With Gangadhara Parvati is shown in an angry mood, but with Alingna Murthy, Parvati is with a pleasant and beautiful smile, sitting on Lord Shiva’s lap.

The various sculptures include Surya, Chandra, Indra, Romarishi, Ashtaparvathas, Parvatharajan, Pathanjali, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu as Ranganathar, Ardhanareeswarar as Rishapanthugar, Agasthiyar, Pabahareswarar, Umamaheswarar, Meenakshi, Mahalakshmi, Maha Vishnu with a Shiva Linga, Andal ( ?), Garudalwar & Anjaneya, Brahma, Yama with Chithraguptha, Sage Pathanjali holding Nataraja & enjoying the dance, Durga with Simha vahana standing on buffalo’s head / Mahisasura, holding Conch and Chakra as Mahisasuramardini / Simha Vahini / Vishnu Durga. Lord Shiva as Gajasamhara murti is called as ‘Yanai Uriththa thevar- யானை உரித்த தேவர்”

Lady dancer sculptures are sculpted at ground level and fitted on the Pillar palakai ( near Veera kandam ). Koshtas are extended front with a small mandapa supported by pillars.

The pradosha murti is of panchaloha with Dashabhuja ie 10 hands holding various weapons. Lord Shiva is dancing on his vahana Rishabam, while all Devas are surrounded at his feet, hence called Rishaba Thandavamurthy. This idol is believed to be of the Pala Dynasty. The idol was brought to Chozha land as a war trophy after conquering Pala Dynasty, the present west Bengal, by Rajendra Chozha-I. This was later brought and kept at Melakadambur Shiva Temple. Also, Kulothunga-I, brought two Vinayagar idols from Vathapi of the Chalukya dynasty after conquering them, of that one is installed in this temple and the other one is installed at Thiruchengattankudi. Another Saraswati sculpture with Gnana mudra and palm leaf on the left hand was also believed to be brought from Bengal.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Appar and Thirugnanasambandar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple as a brick structure may have existed during the 6^th to 7^th Century. Since Kulothunga period inscriptions were found in the temple, the temple may be reconstructed by Kulothunga Chozha-1. About 4 -5 inscriptions are recorded from this temple. Few inscription stones are paved on the floors during renovations. As per the inscriptions, this place was under Virutharajabayangara Valanattu Merka Nattu Kadambur, Kadambur alias Uthama Chozha Chaturvedi Mangalam,  and Lord Shiva Was called Kadambur Thirukarakkoyiludayar. The inscriptions mainly record the donation of money, land, etc towards the burning of Lamps, poojas, Naivedyam, etc. From this, it is clear that before Kulothunga Chozha, the temple existed before Kulothunga Chozha and medieval Chozha Kings also donated to this temple. 

The Kulothunga Chozha period inscription starts with his meikeerthi / title and records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which money of 6 kasu was gifted by a person from Thondai Nattu Uthukkattu Kottaththu Manavur Nadu (Presently on the border between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).

The temple was in dilapidated condition after the invasion of Mohuls/ Muslims. In 1880 CE the temple was renovated by Aru. Arunachalam Chettiar of Devakottai. On the way to Thirukoodalaiyatrur, accidentally, the Devakottai Chettiar Arunachalam landed at this temple at night with a bullock cart load of stones meant for Thirukoodalaiyatrur Temple. Thinking that this was the Lord’s decision, he renovated this temple. The renovation took around 12 years and included the construction of Mandapas, Compound Wall, etc,. Later Somasundaram Chettiar completed the renovation and Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1920 CE.

Inscription on the floor

LEGENDS:

As per the sthala purana, Devas and Asuras churned the Thiruparkadal and the amrita which came out was taken away by the Devas and started sharing themselves, without worshiping Lord Vinayaka. Angered Vinayaga took away the pot to teach a lesson to Devas. While he was passing through this Kadamba Vana / Kadamba Tree forest, a drop of Amith fell down and formed a Swayambhu Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva as Swayambu Linga formed out of Amrith from the pot ( Kadam), called Amirthakadeswarar. Also, it is believed that the Shiva Linga of this temple was made out of Navapashanam, ie 9 Nine deadly poisonous herbals, combined in such a way that gives the best medicinal effect.  

In one of the Legend, Athithi mother of Devas daily came to this temple to worship Lord Shiva. Indra did not want his mother to come daily to this temple and decided to take this temple to Devlok / Indraloka. Indra was made as a Chariot with wheels, and horses and tried to pull to Indraloka. On seeing this Vinayaka pressed the wheel with his leg. When Indra knew that, this was the act of Vinayaga, prayed to take this temple to Indraloka. Vinayaga said that he could take the temple to Indraloka after installing 1000 Shiva Lingas in this place. Indra took it as a challenge and couldn’t even make one, since when he made and got broken. Realizing the power of Vinayaga, worshiped Lord Shiva to take the temple. Shiva in turn told Indra to make one Shiva Linga and Chant his name 1000 times. So Indra made a Rudra Koteeswarar Linga and worshiped ( It is believed that Kezha Kadambur Rudra Koteeswarar Temple is the one installed by Indra ). Lord Shiva appeared and told him that he wished to stay here and asked him to come here for worship. It is believed that Indra used to visit this temple daily and worship Lord Shiva of This temple.       

The Sun rays fall on Moolavar for about 15 minutes on the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th days in the Tamil month Panguni ( April – May )

Shaniswarar has the vahana of the eagle since he exchanged the vahana with King Dhasaradha. It is believed that nine planets worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple, hence Moolavar will be decorated with the respective color of the planet daily. Since Angarakgan also worshiped Lord Shiva,  this temple, is considered as a Angaraka dosha nivarthi sthalam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Pradosham is very famous in this temple. The Dashabhuja Thandavamurthy will be taken on that day and worshiped. It will be kept under safe custody on other days.

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Tamil New Year's Day, Natarajar Abhishekam and Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal Guru Pooja in Tamil month Chithirai, Vaikasi Visakam, and Thirugnanasambandar Guru pooja in Vaikasi, Ani Thirumanjanam, and Manickavasagar Guru pooja in the month Ani, Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani, Navaratri in the month Puratasi, Kandar Sashti and Thirukalyanam in the month Aippasi Karthigai Deepam and 108 Sangabishekam on Somavaram ( Mondays ) in the month Markazhi and maha Shivaratri in the month Masi. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 07.30 hrs to 09.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Gurukkal Selva Ganesan +91 9715639212 & Land line +91 4144 264638  and Trustee Mr. Vijay on Mobile number +91 98426 76797 and email address kadamburvijay@yahoo.com may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

The place Mela Kadambur is on the bus route from Chidambaram to Kattumannarkoil via Eyyalur

On the bus route Kattumannarkoil to Eyyalur,  after Keezha Kadambur is Melakadambur. 

The Temple is 7.4 KM from Kattumannarkoil, 34 KM from Chidambaram, 41 KM from Kumbakonam, 37 KM from Sirkazhi, and 248 KM from Chennai.

The nearest Railway Station is Chidambaram.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:   CLICK HERE

Dwarapalaka

Dashabhuja Thandavamurthy

Rudrakoteswara Temple - Kezha Kadambur

Rudrakoteswara Temple Kezha Kadambur

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---