Vedapureeswarar temple, Tiruvazhundur
Location: Tiruvazhundur (now known as Therazhundur)
Deity known as: Vedapureeswarar
Female Deity: Soundaraambikai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Tiruvazhundur Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located at Therazhundur (formerly known as Tiruvazhundur), about 15 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai. Regular bus services are available from Mayiladuthurai to Therazhundur, making it easily accessible for devotees.
Temple Address
Tiruvazhundur (Now known as Therazhundur)
Mayiladuthurai Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Avaduthurai - 7.9 kms | |
| 1 | Tiru-Thuruthi - 7.2 kms | |
| 3 | Mayiladuthurai - 14 kms |
Near by Divya Desam
Sthala Purana - The Divine Curse and Ordination
While Shiva and MahaVishnu were engaged in a game of dice, with Goddess Parvati serving as the referee, a doubt arose regarding the roll of the dice. Shiva questioned Parvati about it. Parvati replied in favor of MahaVishnu, and angered by this, Shiva cursed her to be born on earth in the form of a cow, to wander the land, perform penance, and ultimately attain Him once again.
Sacred Ordination
The sthala purana of this place narrates that it was at Thiruvazhundur that Shiva ordained Goddess Uma to take birth in the form of a cow.
Separated from His divine consort, Shiva assumed the guise of a 'Andanar' and sat beneath a tree at this place, chanting and teaching the Vedas. Hence, He came to be known as Vedapureeswarar.
Divine Worshippers
Sage Agastya, Sage Markandeya, and Goddess Kaveri worshipped and venerated the deity at this site.
Temple Structure
Temple Location and Gopuram
The Vedapureeswarar Temple is situated on the eastern side of the place known as Therazhundur. To the west stands another temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu, one of the 108 Divya Desams. The Shiva temple features a five-tiered gopuram facing west and encloses two prakaras.
Outer Prakara
The main gateway opens into a spacious outer corridor that serves as the circumambulatory pathway. The customary trio of Kodimaram, Bali Peetam, and Nandi can be seen near the second inner gateway, which leads into the inner courtyard and the sanctum of the presiding deity, Vedapureeswarar.
Sri Mateshwarar Shrine
Situated in the northwestern corner is another shrine housing Sri Mateshwarar, accompanied by Sri Mateshwari. It is believed that this was the original temple and that Vedapureeswarar was consecrated here at a later period.
Inner Prakara
As one circumambulates the inner prakara, a sannidhi for Muruga, accompanied by Valli and Deivanai, is found in the northwest corner. The Navagraha sannidhi is located in the opposite northeastern corner. Nearby are the sannidhis for Goddess Kaveri, followed by Surya and Kalabhairava.
Sthala Vriksha - The Sandalwood Tree
The sthala vruksham of the temple, the sandalwood tree, is located in the eastern corridor. According to the purana, it was beneath this sacred tree that Shiva taught the Vedas. Beneath the tree are a Kshetra Linga and Nandi, symbolically representing this legend.
Other Sannidhis
The sannidhi of Valanchuzhi Vinayaka is located on the southern side of the corridor. Opposite the Mateshwarar sannidhi stands the sannidhi of Goddess Soundarambikai, facing east, housed in a separate temple.
Origin of the Name - Ther-Azhundur
According to legend, Brahma presented a flying chariot to the Mazhava king Urdhva Varathan. While flying across the sky, the chariot suddenly came to a halt over a particular spot and could not be steered further. After hovering for some time, it descended on its own and stood firmly on the ground.
The Power of Penance
Astonished, the king explored the area and found Sage Agastya deeply absorbed in penance. The king realized that the immense spiritual power of the sage's austerities had prevented the chariot from passing through that space.
Hence, the place came to be known as Ther-Azhundur, meaning "the place where the chariot stood still."
Evolution of the Name
Thirugnanasambandar refers to this place as "Azhundai" in his hymns, and over time, the name evolved into Azhundur.
Gallery - Tiruvazhundur Temple
