Thirukoteeswarar Temple, Thirukodikaval – History, Legends, Rituals, Festivals & Travel Guide

December 11, 2025 , , , , , , ,

 

Location

Thirukoteeswarar Temple is situated at Thirukodikaval, Thiruvidaimarudur taluk, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It lies on the north bank of the Cauvery River and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Presiding Deities

  • Moolavar (main deity): Lord Shiva as Thirukoteeswarar / Kodeeswarar
  • Consort: Goddess Vadivambigai (also called Tripurasundari)

Subshrines & Features

  • Separate shrines for Chitragupta and Yama, which is rare and significant
  • Temple tank: Sringa Theertham, connected to the Cauvery River
  • Temple tree: Pirambu (a type of bamboo)
  • Architecture: Rich Chola style, with inscriptions dating back to Pallava king Nandivarman (around 750 CE)

Temple Significance

  • Recognized as one of the 275 Shiva Sthalams (Tevaram hymns by Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnana Sambandar).
  • The temple is especially associated with Chitra Pournami festival, dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant of deeds. Devotees believe bathing in holy rivers or temple tanks on this day absolves sins.
  • The presence of Yama and Chitragupta shrines highlights the temple’s role in reminding devotees of dharma, karma, and cosmic justice.
  • Historically important with inscriptions from Pallava and Chola periods, making it a blend of spiritual and cultural heritage.

History

  • The temple dates back to 750 CE, with inscriptions from the reign of Pallava king Nandivarman.
  • Later, the Cholas expanded and enriched the temple, leaving behind numerous inscriptions and sculptures.
  • Saints Appar and Sambandar sang hymns in praise of this temple, making it one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams.
  • The temple was also visited by the saint Bhaskararaya of Bhaskararajapuram, adding to its spiritual legacy.

Legends

  • The temple is believed to remove the fear of death, as Lord Shiva here is worshipped as the one who grants liberation.
  • A unique legend says Goddess Vadivambigai appeared as Vishnu to bless devotees, symbolizing the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
  • The presence of shrines for Yama (god of death) and Chitragupta (divine accountant of deeds) is rare, emphasizing the temple’s role in reminding devotees of karma and dharma.
  • Bathing in the temple tank Sringa Theertham during Chitra Pournami is believed to absolve sins and ensure divine grace.

Architecture

  • Built in Dravidian style, with a five-tier Rajagopuram (main tower).
  • The temple tank (Sringa Theertham) connects to the Cauvery River, enhancing its sanctity.
  • The Pirambu tree serves as the temple’s sacred sthala vriksha (holy tree).
  • Rich Chola sculptures adorn the walls and gopuram, showcasing mythological scenes and divine forms.
  • The layout includes shrines for Shiva, Parvati, Yama, Chitragupta, and other deities, making it architecturally and spiritually unique.

Rituals

  • Daily Poojas:
    • Kalasanthi (morning)
    • Uchikalam (midday)
    • Sayarakshai (evening)
    • Ardha Jamam (night)
      These follow the Agamic tradition, with abhishekam, alangaram, naivedyam, and deepa aradhana.
  • Special Worship:
    • Devotees offer prayers to Yama and Chitragupta shrines, seeking relief from karmic burdens.
    • Bathing in the temple tank (Sringa Theertham) is considered purifying.
  • Unique Ritual:
    • On Chitra Pournami, devotees perform special pujas to Chitragupta, a rare practice in Tamil Nadu temples.

Festivals

  • Chitra Pournami – The most important festival, dedicated to Chitragupta. Devotees believe sins are absolved by bathing in holy waters and worshipping here.
  • Mahashivaratri – Night-long worship of Lord Shiva with abhishekam and chanting.
  • Navaratri – Celebrated for Goddess Vadivambigai (Tripurasundari).
  • Monthly Pradosham – Special abhishekam and prayers to Shiva during twilight.
  • Karthikai Deepam – Lighting of lamps across the temple.
  • Aadi Pooram & Aadi Perukku – Linked to Goddess worship and Cauvery river rituals.

Beliefs

  • Worshipping here is said to remove fear of death and grant liberation (moksha).
  • Devotees believe that sins are erased by worshipping Chitragupta on Chitra Pournami.
  • Goddess Vadivambigai’s manifestation as Vishnu signifies unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, reinforcing inclusivity in worship.
  • The temple is considered a karma-cleansing sthalam, reminding devotees of dharma and righteous living.
  • Bathing in Sringa Theertham during auspicious days is believed to bring prosperity and peace.

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    (Hours may vary slightly on festival days, especially during Chitra Pournami and Mahashivaratri when extended rituals are performed.)

Getting Here

  • By Road:
    • Nearest town: Thiruvidaimarudur (about 8 km away).
    • Well connected from Kumbakonam (15 km) and Thanjavur (45 km).
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam Railway Station, with frequent trains from Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai.
  • By Air:
    • Nearest airport: Trichy International Airport (~100 km).
  • Local buses and autos are available from Kumbakonam and Thiruvidaimarudur to reach Thirukodikaval.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: During Chitra Pournami (April–May) for the special Chitragupta festival, or Mahashivaratri.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; men often wear dhoti and women saree/salwar.
  • Combine Visits: You can plan a circuit covering nearby temples like Mahalingeswarar Temple (Thiruvidaimarudur) and Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram, UNESCO site).
  • Stay Options: Lodging available at Kumbakonam; budget and mid-range hotels are common.
  • Darshan Tip: Morning hours are less crowded; evenings see more devotees, especially on Pradosham days.
  • Spiritual Note: Don’t miss offering prayers at the rare shrines of Yama and Chitragupta, unique to this temple.

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