Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Structure

Kaduvai is another name for the Kudamurutti River. As the temple stands on the banks of this River, the place came to be known as Kaduvai-Karai-Puthur. The temple is approached through a five-tiered Rajagopuram. Outside the temple, to the right, is the temple's water body known as Trisula Ganga. Siddi Vinayaka is enshrined to the left of the gopuram entrance. On entering through the gopuram, one finds Kodimara Vinayaka, followed by the flagstaff, Balipitham, and the Nandi Mandapam, all aligned in a straight line. The pillars of the Nandi Mandapam are adorned with exquisite sculptural details. Beyond this is a spacious front hall supported by numerous beautifully carved granite pillars. Proceeding further, the sanctum houses the presiding deity facing east. The deity is a Swayambhu Lingam, believed to have manifested on its own. This temple is associated with Sage Apasthamba and the four Vedas, who are said to have worshipped the deity here. Every year, on the 11th, 12th, and 23rd days of the Tamil month of Chithirai, the rays of the sun fall directly upon the sanctum, and the Surya Puja is performed. In the goshta, Dakshinamurthy is depicted seated beneath a banyan tree, with the Sanakathi sages on either side and Muyalakan beneath his feet. The inner prakara surrounding the sanctum houses the sannidhis of the Nayanmars, Bhairava, Surya, and the Navagrahas. The beautifully crafted idol of Sani Bhagavan seated on his crow mount is particularly noteworthy. The Goddess, Swarnambikai, faces south and blesses devotees from her sannidhi. The ceiling of the enclosure in front of the Goddess sannidhi is beautifully adorned with paintings depicting the twelve zodiac signs.