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Magudeswarar Temple

The Magudeswarar Temple in Kodumudi is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Erode district of Kongu Nadu, Tamil Nadu, India. It is the sixth temple in the Kongu region, which is celebrated in the Thevaram hymns. Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, the temple holds a special place in the religious landscape of the area. Sage Agastya is traditionally associated with this temple, adding to its spiritual significance. The temple is approximately 40 km from Erode and about 25 km from Karur, making it easily accessible from these towns. The temple is revered for its holy waters, with several sacred theerthams, including Kaveri, Bharathwaja Theertham, Brahma Theertham, and Deva Theertham. The sacred tree of the temple is the Vanni Tree, which further enhances its spiritual importance.

Timings

Morning: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & Evening: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The story of Magudeswarar Temple in Kodumudi is rooted in a mythological contest between Adisesha, the serpent-bed of Lord Vishnu, and Vayu, the wind deity, to determine who is stronger. Indra, the king of Devas, suggested using Mount Meru for a tug-of-war, where Vayu's force split the mountain into five pieces, each turning into a gemstone. The pieces fell at different locations: Coral at Thiruvannamalai, Ruby at Rathinagiri, Emerald at Engoimalai, Sapphire at Pothigaimalai, and Diamond at Kodumudi, where it became the self-manifested Swayambulingam of Lord Shiva, known as Magudeswarar.

Sage Agastya is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here, and Lord Shiva performed his celestial dance for Sage Bharadwaj. The town's name, Pandikkodumudi, is derived from a legend where a Pandian king prayed to Lord Shiva for his son's underdeveloped fingers. After bathing in the temple tank, the fingers grew normally. In gratitude, the king renovated and patronized the temple.


Sthala Puranam :



Tug-of-War and Mount Meru: In an ancient tug-of-war between Vayu and Adiseshan, with Mount Meru as the center, the mount broke into five pieces during the contest. These pieces fell as gems: Red Coral at Tiruvannamalai, Ruby at Ratnagiri (Tiruvatpokki), Emerald at Eengoimalai, Sapphire at Pothigaimalai, and Diamond at Kodumudi, which became a Swayambhu Lingam of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as Magudeswarar here due to the taming of snakes with a flute, associated with Adiseshan's role in creating the lingam.

Vishnu Shrine: Lord Vishnu is revered as Pallikonda Perumal/Veeranarayana Perumal in a separate shrine.

Moovar Paadal Petra Sthalam: This temple is mentioned in the hymns of the three Nayanmars—Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar, making it a Moovar Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Consecration and Deity Worship: Sage Agastyar is believed to have consecrated the Swayambhu Lingam, and his fingers are seen on the deity. Lord Shiva is also said to have shown his Kalyana Kolam (wedding scene) to Sage Agastyar and Sage Bharadwaja, who witnessed Lord Shiva’s celestial dance here.

Brahma and Vanni Tree: Lord Brahma is depicted with three faces under the Vanni tree, which is believed to be over 3000 years old. The tree is considered sacred, with its leaves maintaining water purity. Some leaves have thorns while others do not.

Vyaghrapada Vinayaka: A rare form of Vinayaka is present here with the face of an elephant and legs of a tiger, known as Vyaghrapada Vinayaka. Devotees perform Abhishekam by pouring water pots corresponding to their age to relieve themselves from Rahu and Ketu Dosham.

Healing Powers of the Kaveri River: Devotees who bathe in the Kaveri River and pray to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to be cured of ailments. The legend tells of a Pandya prince whose fingers grew to normal size after bathing here, leading to the place being called Pandi Kodumudi. The king, grateful for the miracle, constructed the three Gopurams of the temple.


Administration History : 


The administration of the Magudeswarar Temple has evolved over centuries, with historical records of donations from various kings and villages to support its upkeep and religious activities. During the Kongu Pandya and Kerala periods, land and resources were donated for temple maintenance, including the celebration of festivals like Masimaham. In modern times, the temple is managed under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE). Regular maintenance, including renovations and the conduct of festivals, is overseen by the temple's administrative body. The temple continues to be a center of worship, attracting devotees for its historic and spiritual significance.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  2. Respect ancient customs and fellow pilgrims while at the temple.
  1. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men:  Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti, or Pyjamas with upper cloth.

For Women: Saree or Half-saree with blouse, or Chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.

How to reach

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Best Time to Visit :

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season, with the ideal months being from September to March.


By Air : The nearest airports to the temple are Coimbatore and Trichy, both located 110 kilometers away. These airports serve national and international flights.

By Rail : Karur Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is well-connected to major locations across Tamil Nadu.

By Road : Kodumudi Bus Stand is the nearest. The temple is easily accessible by road, with a bus stop located very close to the shrine. Both state-run and private buses provide excellent connectivity.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. River Kaveri: The temple is located on the banks of the sacred River Kaveri, which is significant for devotees performing rituals like Tarpanam (ancestral rites) and for those seeking relief from ailments.


Cities:

  1. Kodumudi: The town where the temple is located. It is historically significant and often associated with the temple, also referred to as Pandikodumudi.
  2. Erode: A nearby city, around 40 km from the temple, known for its cultural and economic importance.
  3. Coimbatore: Located about 100 km away, this major city serves as a hub for travelers visiting the temple.
  4. Tiruppur: Another city nearby, approximately 60 km from the temple, known for its textile industries.