Karkadeswarar Temple, Tirundudevankudi – Legends, Rituals, and Travel Guide

Location

Village: Tirundudevankudi (also known as Nandankoil or Karkteeswaram)
District: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Proximity: ~10 km from Kumbakonam bus stand; 2 km from Tiruvisainallur (another Paadal Petra Sthalam)
Access: Well-connected by bus from Kumbakonam; surrounded by lush paddy fields and coconut groves

Deities and Sub Shrines

Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Karkadeswarar (also known as Devadevesar)
Consort: Goddess Parvati as Apoorvanayaki, also referred to as Arumarundha Nayaki and Aravinda Nayaki
Sub Shrines:

Temple Significance

Paadal Petra Sthalam: Glorified by Tirugnanasambandar in the Tevaram hymns
Mythological Legend:

A Gandharva was cursed by Sage Durvasa to be reborn as a crab (Karkada).
The crab worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple and was eventually relieved of the curse.
Hence, Shiva here is called Karkadeswarar, the one who blessed the crab

History

Paadal Petra Sthalam: This temple is one of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified in the Tevaram hymns by Saint Tirugnanasambandar.
Chola Period Origins: The temple is believed to have been built or significantly renovated during the Chola dynasty, evident from its inscriptions and architectural style.
Name Origins: The place is also known as Nandankoil and Karkteeswaram, reflecting its mythological and astrological associations.

Legends

A Gandharva cursed by Sage Durvasa was reborn as a crab (Karkada).
The crab worshipped Lord Shiva here with intense devotion.
Indra, fearing the crab’s growing spiritual power, tried to kill it.
Lord Shiva protected the crab by striking the ground with his trident, creating a hole through which the crab escaped.
Pleased with its devotion, Shiva relieved the crab of its curse and granted moksha.

Shiva as Karkadeswarar: The deity is named after this legend—Karkada (crab) + Eswarar (Lord Shiva).

Architecture

Dravidian Style: The temple follows classic South Indian Dravidian architecture with a modest gopuram and a serene prakaram.
Sanctum Orientation: The main shrine faces east, with the Shiva Lingam enshrined in a simple yet spiritually potent garbhagriha.
Goddess Shrine: The shrine of Goddess Apoorvanayaki (also called Arumarundha Nayaki) is in a separate sanctum, facing south.
Vimana and Mandapams:

The vimana above the sanctum is of the Gajaprishta (elephant-back) style.
The temple has a small mandapam with pillars featuring floral and iconographic carvings.

Sacred Tree: The Vilvam tree is the Sthala Vriksham.
Temple Tank: Known as Karkada Theertham, believed to have healing and purifying powers.

Rituals

Agamic Worship: The temple follows Shaivagama traditions, with rituals performed by hereditary priests.
Daily Pujas:

Pradosham (13th day of every fortnight) is observed with abhishekam and deepa aradhana.
Mondays and Thiruvathirai Nakshatram days are considered auspicious for Shiva worship.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with night-long vigil, abhishekam, and chanting of Shiva Panchakshari.
Aani Thirumanjanam: Ritual bathing of the deity during the Tamil month of Aani (June–July).
Karthigai Deepam: Lamps are lit throughout the temple premises in the month of Karthigai (Nov–Dec).
Navaratri: Special pujas for Goddess Apoorvanayaki.
Annual Brahmotsavam: Though not grandly celebrated like in larger temples, local devotees organize processions and cultural events.

Beliefs

Relief from Curses: Devotees believe that praying to Lord Karkadeswarar helps overcome curses and karmic burdens, inspired by the crab legend.
Transformation through Devotion: The temple symbolizes how even a cursed being (crab) can attain liberation through sincere worship.
Healing and Protection:

The Karkada Theertham (temple tank) is believed to have healing properties.
Goddess Apoorvanayaki is worshipped as Arumarundha Nayaki, the one who grants rare remedies.

Astrological Significance: The temple is associated with the Cancer zodiac (Karkataka rasi), and devotees born under this sign often visit for blessings.

Temple Timings

Getting Here

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during Pradosham days for special rituals.
Footwear: Leave footwear outside the temple premises; no footwear allowed inside.
Photography: Usually restricted inside the sanctum; check with temple staff.
Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Paadal Petra Sthalams like Thiruvisanallur, Thiruppanandal, and Kumbakonam temples.
Local Food: Simple South Indian meals available in nearby villages or Kumbakonam town.
Stay Options: Lodging is best arranged in Kumbakonam, which has a range of budget and mid-range hotels.