- Shiva
Kodikkanathar Temple
- Thirukkodikaval,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The location of Thirukoteeswarar Temple is at Thirukodikaval village of Mayiladuthurai taluk, Nagapattinam district at Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai route. This temple was built by the mother of the great King Uthama Cholan, the great Chola Queen Sembiyan Maha Devi. The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva called as Thirukotteeswarar and Goddess is known as Vadivambigai.
About the Temple
The earliest inscriptions in the temple belong to the reign of the Pallava king Nandivarman and date from 750 AD. The present structure is believed to have been constructed in 979. In the month of Chitirai on the full moon day, Chitra Pournami, or Chitirai Purnima, a unique Tamil festival is observed. The day is dedicated to the official keeper of deeds in the abode of Yama, Chitragupta. It is believed that on the day bathing in holy rivers and temple ponds will wash away the sins committed by us.
About the Deity
The main deity is Thirukoteeswarar and also present are seperate sannadhis for Chitrgupta and Yama. Every year, Chitra Pournami festival is celebrated in a grand manner.
Legend and stories
Another important legend involving Lord Indra, the king of Gods, and his Guru Brihaspati is associated with Chitra Poornima. Once they had an altercation, and the Guru stopped advising his pupil without which, Indra committed numerous sins. Finally, when Brihaspati relented and took up his duty, he advised Indra to undertake a pilgrimage to the earth to remove the burden of his sins. During his pilgrimage, one day, Indra suddenly realised that he has been released from his sins. He looked around and noticed a Shivling under a Kadamba tree making him sure that it was Lord Shiva who helped him redeem his sins. He decided to worship the Lingam and he found a golden lotus in a nearby pond, to his surprise, which he offered to Shiva in prayer. The place was Madurai in Tamil Nadu and this happened on a Chitra Pournami day. A Devendra Puja is observed on Chitra Poornima in the Madurai Meenakshi temple, in remembrance of this event. A special rice offering is made to Chitragupta and elaborate pujas are done on Chitirai Pournami in temples. Thirukodikaval is situated on the northern bank of the Kaveri.
Festivals
Chitra Pournami is observed on the full moon day (Pournami) in the month of Chitirai (April/May) every year.
Best time to visit
Throughout the year, the devotees used to visit this temple. The festivals celebrated in this temple are every Tuesdays, Pradhosams, Chitrapournami, Skanda Shasti, Ippasi Brahmmotsavam are. The festival days are the best time to worship this temple.
Accessibility
Airport
The nearest airport is at Trichy, about 55 km from Thanjavur. The airport is well connected by flights to Indian as well international cities.
Railways
The nearest major railway station is also at Trichy.
Road
Thanjavur is well connected by road to other cities of Tamil Nadu.
Temple Addresss
Sri Kodeeswarar Temple,
Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk,
Thanjavur District,
Thirukodikaval,
Tamil Nadu 609802
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.