Vedagiriswarar Temple

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Vedagiriswarar temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKanchipuram
Location
LocationTirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu, India
StateTamil Nadu
CountryIndia
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture

For the village, Thirukazhukundram, refer Tirukalukundram

Thirukazhukundram (Tamil: திருக்கழுக்குன்றம்) or Thirukkalukundram is an ancient town in Kanchipuram district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The Temple

The town is known for its Hindu temple, Vedagiriswarar temple complex, popularly known as Kazhugu koil (Eagle temple). The consists of two temple structures, one in the foothill and the other atop the hill. The main attraction, the large temple hilltop temple houses the deity of Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foothills is dedicated to Parvathi, the consort, known here as Thiripurasundari Amman. The temple at the foothills has four towers (gopurams) closely resembling the architecture of Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyaar temple.

History

Sacred vultures fed by temple priests at Thirukalukundram, 1906

The word Thirukazhukundram comes from the Tamil words Thiru (Respectful), Kazhugu (Eagle), Kundram (mount). It was known as "Thirukazhugukundram" in ancient times, which, overtime became Thirukazhukundram. The town is also known as Pakshi Theertham (Bird's Holy Lake) because of a pair of birds -Most likely Egyptian Vultures- that are believed to have visited the site for centuries. These birds are traditionally fed by the temple priests and arrive before noon to feed on offerings made from rice, wheat, ghee and sugar. Although punctual, the failure of the birds to turn up was attributed to the presence of "sinners" among the onlookers.[1][2] Legend has it the vultures (or "eagles") represent eight sages who were punished by Shiva with two of them leaving in each of a series of epochs.[3][4] It has also been known as Uruthrakodi, Nandipuri, Indrapuri, Narayanapuri, Brahmapuri, Dinakarapuri, Muniganapuri in the past.

In Mythology

Sage Bharadwaja prayed to Shiva for a long life so he could learn all the Vedas. Shiva appeared before him and granted him the wish to learn the Vedas and created three mountains each signifying a Veda (Rig, Yajur and Sama). Shiva took a handful of mud and said "Dear Bharadwaja! The Vedas that you could learn are only this handful compared to the mountains present here, even if you live much longer and hence, learning is never ending and could possibly cannot be the route for Salvation". Shiva also said that in Kaliyuga, the simplest and the surest way to salvation is Bhakti or unfettered devotion, service and love of God and his creations. It is believed that the hill on which the Vedagiriswarar temple is built is the mythical mountains signifying Vedas created by Shiva himself. The name Vedagiriswarar means "the Lord of the Vedic Mountains" in Sanskrit.

Panoramic view of the Tirupurasundari Amman Shrine at the foothills

Poets

The four Nayanmars, Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar and Thirugnanasamandhar visited the temple complex and composed hymns in praise of Vedagiriswarar. A shrine, Nalvar Koil, is dedicated to them. Arunagirinathar composed many of his hymns of Thirupugazh in Thirukazhukundram.

Location

Thirukazhukundram is located on State Highway 58, 70 km away from Chennai and 15 km away from the famous tourist town Mahabalipuram. It is also 15 km away from Chengalpattu. Near road links are, 10 km away from Old Mahabalipuram Road, 10 km away from East Coast Road and 15 km away from GST road.

Gallery

  • Main Gopuram of Hill temple of Thirukazhukundram
    Main Gopuram of Hill temple of Thirukazhukundram
  • Sangu Theertham(conch tank) of Thirukazhukundram
    Sangu Theertham(conch tank) of Thirukazhukundram
  • Temple view from foothills
    Temple view from foothills
  • Basement temple view from the hill
    Basement temple view from the hill
  • Basement temple view from the hill
    Basement temple view from the hill
  • Sangu Theertham(conch tank) view
    Sangu Theertham(conch tank) view

References

  1. ^ Neelakantan,KK (1977). "The sacred birds of Thirukkalukundram". Newsletter for Birdwatchers. 17 (4): 6.
  2. ^ Siromoney, Gift (1977). "The Neophron Vultures of Thirukkalukundram". Newsletter for Birdwatchers. 17 (6): 1–4.
  3. ^ Pope, GU (1900). The Tiruvacagam or Sacred utterances of the Tamil poet, saint, and sage Manikka-vacagar. Clarendon Press, Oxford. p. 260.
  4. ^ Thurston EW (1906). Etnographic notes in southern India. Government Press, Madras. p. 252.


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