Proper name Veezhinathar Kovil State Tamil Nadu District Tiruvarur district | Country India Primary deity Veezhinathar (Shiva) Architectural style Dravidian architecture | |
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Location Thiruveezhimizhalai, Kudavasal Consort Azhagiya Maamulai Amman (Parvathi) Similar Vedaranyeswarar temple, Vedapureeswarar temple - Thiruverkadu, Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Aavoor Pasupatheeswaram, Thiruvadigai Temple | ||
Veezhinathar Temple is an ancient temple located in Thiruveezhimizhalai dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thiruveezhimizhalai is a revenue village in Kudavasal Taluka of Thiruvarur District in Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is the 61st Padal Petra Kovil in the Chola Naadu, South of Kaveri.
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Mythology
Parvati is said to have been reborn as Katyayani and married Shiva here. Vishnu received the cosmic weapon Chakrayudam from Shiva here in lieu of the 1000 flower worship to Shiva. A panel depicting the divine marriage is seen behind the Shivalingam. The Moolvar vimanam is believed to be brought to here by Mahavishnu.
History
The name Thiruveezhimizhalai is said to have come from two legends that took place here.
The place was once a forest full of Sandhanam (Sandalwood), Senbagai, Pala (Jackfruit), Vila which is called Veezhi in Tamil. Also there is a plant by name Veezhi which grows in abundance at this place. Hence it is called Veezhi Kaadu(forest).
Secondly there was a hunter by name Mizhalai Kurumbar who lived here. He used to offer Vila fruit to Lord Shiva daily. Seeing his bhakthi, Lord Shiva gave dharsan to him.
Lord Shiva + Veezhi Plants + Mizhalai Kurumbar = Thiruveezhimizhalai
When Sambandar and Thirunavukarasar visit this place, there was a severe drought all around. They prayed to Lord Shiva who gave Padikasu (Gold Coin) one each every day to both of them. Sambandar gets Padikasu at the Pedam in front of Mahamandapam. Navukarasar gets gold coin in the Pedam in Merkku (west) prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). Using these gold coin, they offered food to the needy people.
The Math where they did anandanam is located on Vadaku Therodum Veedhi (North car Street).
How to reach
From Kumbakonam, take Thiruvarur road till Natchiyar Koil and from there, take Poonthotam-Natchiyar Koil Road to reach Thenkarai. From Thenkarai, cross the Arasalarur in the north and walk 1 km. to reach Thiruveezhimizhalai temple.
Those who come from Chennai or Puducherry can come up to Mayavaram and take Mayavarum-Thiruvarur Road up to Poonthottam. From Poonthottam, take Poonthotam-Natchiyar Koil Road to reach Thenkarai.