Introduction
Sri Vedapureeswarar
Temple, located on the northern banks of the Cheyyar River in
Tiruvannamalai District near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the revered Paadal
Petra Sthalams. This temple, built in the 6th century, is dedicated to Lord
Shiva in the form of Vedapureeswarar, a swayambhu (self-manifested)
lingam. The temple is celebrated for its unique architecture, divine legends,
and vibrant festivals.
Deities
- Main Deity:
Lord Vedapureeswarar (Shiva in lingam form, swayambumurthi).
- Consort:
Goddess Sri Balakujambigai (Parvati).
- Other shrines include Lord Vinayaka,
Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Nataraja, Veerabhadra, and the 63
Nayanmars.
- A separate shrine is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu as Aadhi Kesava Perumal.
Unique Features
- Sun Rays on Lingam:
Every day, sun rays fall directly on the Shivalingam.
- Nandi’s Position:
Unlike most temples, Nandi here faces away from the Shivalingam.
- Pancha Bootha Lingams:
Devotees can worship all five elemental lingams in this temple.
- Architecture:
- 7-tier Raja Gopuram
- A 1000-pillared hall with
exquisite sculptures
- Sacred tank named Kalyana Kodi
Theertham
Legends and History
- The temple derives its name Thiruvothur
from the legend that Lord Shiva preached the Vedas (Othu in Tamil)
to celestial beings here.
- Goddess Dakshayani, daughter of
Daksha, performed penance here after being humiliated at her father’s
yagna, sanctifying the site.
- Saint Thirugnanasambandar
performed miracles here, including transforming a male palm tree into a
female palm tree.
- Arunagirinathar,
a devotee of Lord Muruga, also worshipped here.
- A legend tells of Lord Ganesha
guiding Sambandar to distinguish the Shiva temple from the nearby Vishnu
temple.
Festivals
- Brahmotsavam:
A grand 10-day festival in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan–Feb).
- The 7th day Thiruther Vaibhavam
(chariot procession) is the highlight.
- The 10th day is celebrated at
night with great devotion.
- Other festivals:
- Lakshadeepam
and Gnanasambandar festival (Aadi month, July–Aug)
- Magam
and Shivaratri (Masi month, Feb–Mar)
- Pankuni Uthiram
(Mar–Apr)
- Monthly Pradosham
Religious Significance
- Devotees pray here for santhana
prapthi (child boon) by offering palm fruits.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva here is
believed to bring prosperity and wisdom.
- The temple is one of the 276
Paadal Petra Sthalams and the 8th Shiva sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
Temple Timings
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
How to Reach
- 30 km from Kanchipuram
- 111 km from Chennai