Sri Idaivainathar Temple / Punniyakodi Appar Temple / Punniyakottiyappar Temple / புண்ணியகோடியப்பர் கோயில், Thiruvidaivai / Thiruvidavasal /திருவிடைவாசல் , Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 275^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, which was found after 274 temples on the south side of the river Kaveri in Chozha  Nadu. The temple is on the banks of a branch channel of the river Vennaru. Now this place is called Thiruvidai Vasal. This was identified as one of the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam based on the Thirugnanasambandar’s hymns inscriptions on the sanctum wall.

Thirugnanasambandar, Ayyadigal Kadavarkon (his Kshetra Kovai and mentioned as “Then idaivai”) has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

மறியார் கரத்தெந்தையம் மாதுமையோடும்

பிறியாத பெம்மான் உறையும் இடம் என்பர்

பொறிவாய் வரிவண்டு தன் பூம்பெடை புல்கி

வெறியார் மலரில் துயிலும்விடைவாயே

....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

(This hymn / pathigam was published through Thiruppanandal Sri Kasi Madam, Panniru Thirumurai pathippu/printing fund in the year 1968. This was added as new hymns under page 1536 on Thevara Thalamurai by Srivaikundam, Sri Kumarakuruparan Sangam.

Moolavar  : Sri Idaivainathar,  Sri Vidaivayappar,

                  Sri Punyakotteeswarar.

Consort    : Sri Umayammai, Sri Abirami.

Some of the important features of this temple are……

The temple faces east with a mottai gopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the entrance. Moolavar is of Swayambhu little high in Nagabaranam, looks beautiful. In koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

In ardha mandapam Nalvar & Vinayagar. Ambal sannathi is in Maha Mandapam facing south. Dwarapalakas and Dwarapalaki are in painting.

In the outer praharam, Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi, Bala Sastha,  Bhairavar, Suriyan, Chandran Navagrahas, and Chandikeswarar.

ARCHITECTURE

The main temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, Antarala, and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctroum is on a pada bandha adhistanam with 3 pattai Kumudam. The sanctum walls are smoothly finished during reconstruction. Vishnu Kantha pilasters are on the Sanctum Sanctorum walls. A 2-tier Brick Nagara Vimana is over the sanctum. No stucco images were found except Tala koshtam and greeva koshtam. 

 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, the original temple might have existed before the 7^th century. Later, it may have been reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chozha Period (believed to be during Kulothunga Chozha-I). Initially, only 274 temples were identified as Paadal Petra Sthalangal. This temple was identified when a heap was excavated in 1917. Thevara hymn was found inscribed on the wall, and this temple was added as the 175^th Sthalam and 128^th Sthalam of Chozha Nadu.

Thirugnanasambandar's hymn inscription

LEGENDS

As per the legend, this place was ruled by the King Vidaiyan of Surya Kula and worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.  Hence, this place was called Thiruvidaivai in the name of the King.

Also, it is believed that Vidai is very much related to Rishabam and Flag, and this place was called Thiruvidaivai. 

Sun rays fall on Moolavar  Vaikasi (May – June) and Margazhi  (Dec – Jan) during the Uttarayana and Dakshinayana periods. 

Devotees pray to Lord Shiva to remove marriage obstacles and the Child boon.

The Temple is surrounded by Vennaru on the west side, Vellaiyaru on the south, Pandayaru on the North, and the Sea on the east.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, as per Gurukkal, special poojas are conducted on all important days, especially on Chitra Pournami in the month Chithirai (April – May), Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani (Aug – Sept),  Thirukarthigai in the month Karthigai (Nov – Dec), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi (Dec – Jan), Makar Sankranti and Thaipoosam in the month Thai (Jan – Feb), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi (Feb – March), and monthly pradosams.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 09.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 18.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple priest may be contacted at +91 4366 232853, +91 94433 32853, +91 99431 52999, +91 98942 89077, +91 70947 99791, and +91 98651 89743 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

In Koradacheri, cross through the left side of the double bridge, and 1 KM from the bridge, and this place is before Athikadai.

The Temple at Thiruvidavasal is 3 km from Koradacheri, 32 km from Kumbakonam, 17 km from Thiruvarur, 17 km from Mannargudi, 46 km from Thanjavur, and 327 km from Chennai. 

The nearest Railway Station is Thiruvarur (Mannargudi is also the same distance).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Temple / Amirthakadeswarar Temple / கோடிக்குழகர் கோயில் / அமுதகடேசுவரர் கோயில், கோடியக்கரை / Thirukodi / Kodiyakarai, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 244^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 127^th Shiva Temple on the south side of the River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Now this place is called Kodiyakarai, Kodi Kuzhagar Kovil. This place is also called “Point Calimere”. The Place where the temple exists is called “Kuzhakar Koil”, and the sea shore is called “Kodiyakarai”.

In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirumaraikadu. But we couldn’t get the hymn sung by him. In Sundarar Puranam, Sundarar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirumaraikadu.

தெண்திரைசூழ் கடல்கானல் திரு அகத்தியான் பள்ளி

அண்டர்பிரான் கழல்வணங்கி அருந்தமிழ் மாமறை பாடிக்

கொண்டல் பயில் மணல்கோடு சூழ்கோடிக் குழகர்தமைத்

தொண்டருடன் தொழுது அணைந்தார் தோணிபுரத் தோன்றலார்

..... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்

கோடிக் குழகர் கோயில் அயல் குடிகள் ஒன்றும் புறத்து எங்கும்

நாடிக் காணாது உள்புக்கு நம்பர்பாதம் தொழுது உள்ளம்

வாடிக் கடிதாய்க் கடற்காற்றென்று எடுத்து மலர்க்கண் நீர்வாரப்

பாடிக்காடு புணர்ந்த பரிசும் பதிகத்திடை வைத்தார்

...... சுந்தரர் புராணம்

Sundarar and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Sundarar was feeling bad because the temple was isolated near the seashore without any habitation nearby.

கடிதாய்க் கடற்காற்று வந்து எற்றக்கரைமேல்

குடிதான் அயலே இருந்தால் குற்றமோ

கொடியேன் கண்கள் கண்டன கோடிக் குழகீர்

அடிகேள் உமக்கு ஆர்துணையாக இருந்தீரே

........ சுந்தரர்

                                      -“தென்னெறியோர்

நாடிக்குழக நலமருள் ந்று ஏத்துகின்ற

கோடிக் குழகரருட் கோலமே”

........ திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Amuthakadeswarar, Sri Kodi Kuzhagar

Consorts  : Sri Anjanakshi, Sri Maithadanganni.

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

In praharam Amirtha Vinayagar, Suryan, Chandran, Subramaniar, with one face with six hands, Ganapathy Lingam. Navagrahas are in a single row. “Kuzhaka Munivar’s” idol is in the maha mandapam. Ambal is in a separate sannidhi in the front mandapam.

The 15th-century saint Arunagirinathar has sung “Thiruppugazh” in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. Lord Muruga is with Amrutha kalasa.

சோலைபரண் மீதுநிழ லாகதினை காவல்புரி

            தோகைகுற மாதினுட                                                   னுறவாடிச்

 சோரனென நாடிவர் வார்கள்வன வேடர்விழ

            சோதிகதிர் வேலுருவு                                                   மயில்வீரா

கோலவழல் நீறுபுனை யாதிசரு வேசரொடு

            கூடிவிளை யாடுமுமை                                               தருசேயே

கோடுமுக வானைபிற கான துணை வாகுழகர்

            கோடிநகர் மேவிவளர்                                                   பெருமாளே

Murugan sannidhi

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before the 7^th Century. The temple was reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chozha period, and later contributions are from the Pandyas (embalm is on the Rajagopuram entrance – Two fish Chendu at the centre)  and Vijayanagara Nayakas.

Rajaraja-III’s 14^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which donations were made by a person who belongs to Nandinallur. (Full details are not known since the inscription was damaged.)

Jadavarman Konerimaikondan’s 18^th reign year inscription records the King’s order. Arranging the Amount of 55 pon was surplus after spending on the services, till the 17^th year (Rule). Another 63 pon, on which there were some charges to be utilised as a capital for services, repair, and maintenance in the temple from the 18^th Year. 

Jatavarman Parakrama Pandya’s 5^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 150  Varahan was gifted to the temple by “Gamudevan Andan PeRRan”.

Rajendra Chozha-III’s 22^nd reign year inscription records that a sale of land to create a nandavanam at the Thiru Kodikuzhakar Temple Adhi Chandeswarar Trustees, to Mudaliyar Saththanathu Ethir oppilathar alias Somanathadevar Mudaliyar.

Another Rajendra Chozha-III’s Inscription records the activities of the Thevankamis / trustees and the Siva Brahmins, transferring land from the workers of Nandavanam to the Senapathis, in lieu of that purchase of another land was proposed. The Paddy to be given to the temple is also discussed. The inscription was found damaged, and full details are not known.

The inscription at Kodiyakadu, Jadavarman Thirubhuvana Chakravarthy Konerimaikondan period inscription mentions the places Thirukodi Kuzhakar and Thiru Agathiyan Palli.

Pandya's emblem  in the Rajagopuram entrance

Latest inscription- records about the construction of Yaga Salai by Ayyadurai Pillai's son Thabusamya Pillai

LEGENDS

Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Narathar, Indiran, Kuzhka Munivar, and later Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

After the Amirtha obtained from the milk ocean by Devas and asuras, without giving a share to the asuras, the Devas drank the Amirtha and handed it over to Vayu to carry it. When Vayu was carrying the Amirtha, it spilled and turned into a Shiva Linga. Hence, Lord Shiva is called “Amirthakadeswarar”. In another version, when the amirtha spilled, Lord Muruga collected the same in a kalasa. Hence, Lord Muruga is shown with a kalasa in his hand. Lord Vinayagar is also called “Amirtha Vinayagar”.

There is a Ramar Padam in the midst of the Kappukadu / forest. It was believed that on the way to Dhanuskodi, Rama visited this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva. The Ramar Padam confirms the Visit of Rama to this temple.   

Just after 1.5 KM, the place on the sea shore is called “Adhi Sethu”, also known as Kodiyakarai. Taking a bath during the Uttarayana and Dakshinayana periods is a special practice here. The Siddhar Kattidam / building is also known as Siddhar Koil. It is believed that Siddhars are still living in this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on the 10-day Vaikasi Visakam festival in the month of Vaikasi (May – June), Aani Thirumanjanam in the month of Aani (June – July), Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month of Avani (Aug – Sept), 6 days Skanda Sashti in the month of Aippasi (Oct – Nov), Thaipoosam in the month of Thai (Jan – Feb), Maha Shivaratri in the month of Masi (Feb – March).

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The Temple will be kept open from 09.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and from 17.00  hrs to 18.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The landline number +91 4369 272 470 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

Buses are available from Vedaranyam, and the distance is 12 km.

The temple at Kodiyakarai is 10 km from Vedaranyam, 58 km from Nagapattinam, 71 km from Mannargudi, 78 km from Thiruvarur, and 356 km from Chennai 

The nearest Railway station is Vedaranyam, and the Junction is Nagapattinam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:  CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple / Agasthiyar Temple / அகஸ்தியர் கோயில், Agasthiyan Palli / Agathiyampalli / அகஸ்தியம்பள்ளி. Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 243^rd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 126^th Stham on the south side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Now this place is called “Agathiyar Koil” or “Agasthiya Palli”. 

In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirumaraikadu.

தெண்திரைசூழ் கடல்கானல் திரு அகத்தியான் பள்ளி

அண்டர்பிரான் கழல்வணங்கி அருந்தமிழ் மாமறை பாடிக்

கொண்டல் பயில் மணல்கோடு சூழ்கோடிக் குழகர்தமைத்

தொண்டருடன் தொழுது அணைந்தார் தோணிபுரத் தோன்றலார்

Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

வாடிய வெண்டலை மாலைசூடி மயங்கிருள்

நீடுயர் கொள்ளி விளக்குமாக நிவந்தெரி

ஆடிய எம்பெருமான் அகத்தியான் பள்ளியை

பாடிய சிந்தையினார்கட்கு இல்லையாம் பாவமே

....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

                                                                -“நாடும் எனை

நின் அகத்தியான்பள்ளி நேர்ந்தேன் என்று ஆட்கொண்ட

தென் அகத்தியான் பள்ளிச் செம்பொன்னே

....... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Agastheeswarar.

Consort    : Sri Mangai Nayagi  Sri Bagampiriyal.

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with the 3-tier Rajagopuram with an arch on the roadside. Balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is a little taller than swayambhu. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy.

In praharam Agasthiyar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Valli DevaSena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Moovar, Ayyanar, Suriyan, and Rudhra Ganapathy. There is a separate temple for Agasthiyar. Many Nagars are under the Sthala Vruksham Vanni tree.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original temple might have existed before the 7^th Century, and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple by Chozhas and further extended by Pandyas and Vijayanagara Nayakas.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belong to Chozha Kings Rajaraja-I, Rajendra-I, Kulothunga Chozha-I, III, and Pandya King Kulasekara Pandya, Vikrama Pandya, Maravarman Veera Pandya. As per the inscriptions, this place was mentioned as  Tharani Muzhuthudaya Valanattu Kundrur Nattu Udyar Thiragathiyan Palli, and Lord Shiva was called Thiruagathiyan Palliudayar.

Kulasekara Pandya’s 31^st reign year inscription records the endowment of the celebration of Thiruvizha / Brahmotsavam in the month Vaikasi, and special poojas are conducted on the Hastha nakshatra day, ie, the last day of thiruvizha for the well-being of their King Kulasekara Pandyan. A Tax-free land of 5 veli was gifted by the Kundrur Nattu people/sabha. The same king’s 5^th reign year inscription records the donation of gold of 150 kasu to a madam called “Agathiyar Madam”, towards Maheswara Poojas and annadhanam from the interest, by Gauthaman Andan Kundram Erinthar. This was done since the Land already gifted was converted into Irayili, and the Maheswara Poojas were stopped.

Maravarman Veera Pandya’s 15^th reign year Inscription records an endowment, for which a 2000 kuli land, after being reclaimed after which was lying fallow, was gifted to Umbala Nadu, alias Tharani Muzhuthudaya Valanattu Kundrur nattu Udyar Thiragathiyan Palliudayar, by Arayan Poyan Vilupparayan Ezhumoor Kizhavan Vilupparayan (Ezhumoor – present Egmore, a part of Chennai).

Rajaraja-III, 2^nd reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 1500 anradu narkasu, by Rajendra Chozha Valanattu Kotramangalathu Virada Kula Rayar. The above gift was received by Muppathu Vattathu Siva Brahmins.    

LEGENDS

Swetha Muni’s sons, Brahman, Siddhars, Naradhar, Indra, and Kuzhaka Munivar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Since “Kuzhakamunivar” was worshiped, Lord Shiva is praised as “Kuzhakeswarar”.

As per the sthala purana, at the time of the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Ma Parvati, all the Devas, Sages, and Munis assemble at Mount Kailash. Due to this, the north side of the Earth was lowered and the south side was raised. So Lord Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to the South to balance this earth. Disappointed sage Agathiyar, Lord Shiva to give his “Kalyana Kola” darshan, whenever he wants, for the same Lord Shiva accepted.

On the way to South Agasthiyar, he installed Shiva Lingas, worshiped Lord Shiva, and had  Lord Shiva’s Kalyana Kola Darshan.  This is one of the places where Agasthiyar stayed some time, installed a Shiva Linga, and worshiped. Hence, Lord Shiva of this temple is praised as “Agastheeswarar”. This was mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar.

‘‘நீரின் மாமுனிவன் நெடுங்கைகொடு நீர்தனைப்

பூரித்து ஆட்டி அர்ச்சிக்க இருந்த புராணனே’’

Sundarar mentions that Agasthiyar worshiped Lord Shiva in his Thirunindriyur hymns.

‘‘சந்தி மூன்றிலும் தாபரம் நிறுத்திச்

சகளி செய்து இறைஞ்சும் அகத்தியர் தமக்குச்

சிந்து மாமணி அணித் திருப்பொதியிற்

சேர்வு நல்கிய செல்வம் கண்டு அடைந்தேன்’’

 Agathiyar

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikasi Visakam in the month of Vaikasi (May – June),  Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month of Avani (Aug – Sept), Skanda Sashti in the month of Aippasi (Oct – Nov), Thirukarthigai in the month of Karthigai (Nov – Dec), Thaipoosam in the month of Thai (Jan – Feb), and Maha Shivaratri in the month of Masi (Feb – March).

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 10 hrs, and from 17.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers of Bairava Dundaram Gurukkal +91 8940452106 and +91 9787652970 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

3 km from Vedaranyam to Kodikkarai. Buses are available from Vedaranyam.

The temple at Agasthiyam Palli is 3 km from Vedaranyam, 50 km from Nagapattinam, 64 km from Mannargudi, 72 km from Thiruvarur, and 348 km from Chennai 

The nearest Railway station is Vedaranyam / Agasthiyan Palli, and the Junction is Nagapattinam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---