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Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple

The Vedapureeswarar Temple, also known as the Vazhaimadunathar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thiruvedhikudi near Tiruvaiyaru. This temple is celebrated in the hymns of the 7th-century Tamil saint poets Appar and Campantar, and it is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, a sacred place praised in song. The temple is situated by the Kudamurutti River. It is named Vazhaimadunathar because the deity was believed to have appeared from a banana tank. The Shiva lingam here is called Vedapuriswarar.

Timings

From 8.00 am to 12.00 Noon and from 4.30pm to 8.00 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

A demon once stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma and hid them under the sea. Lord Mahavishnu retrieved them, but the Vedas wanted purification from this sin. So, the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana) came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva, who purified them. This is why the deity here is called Sri Vedapureeswarar and the place is known as Vedhikudi.

At the entrance of the sanctum, there is a unique idol of Lord Vinayakar, with his head slightly tilted as if listening to the Vedas' chants. He is known as "Sri Veda Pillaiyar" and "Sri Sevi Saitha Vinayagar."

Another legend tells of a Chola king whose daughter's marriage was delayed. The king prayed to Lord Shiva here, who granted a marriage boon to his daughter. After her marriage, she was renamed Mangayarkarasi, after the temple's goddess.

It is believed that Lord Brahma, Suryan, Kuberan, Sage Chaitanya Maharishi, Saint Thirugnanasambandar, and Saint Thirunavukarasar have all worshipped Lord Shiva here. The temple is also associated with the Pranava mantra "OM," which worshipped Lord Shiva here, leading the Vedas to follow. This place is significant as Lord Shiva gathered priests for Nandhi’s marriage here.

The deity is also called Vazhaimadunathar because he emerged from a banana tank. The Shiva lingam is known as Vedapuriswarar.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear attire covering shoulders and knees. Check for specific dress codes beforehand.
  2. Respect Rituals: Participate respectfully in prayers, lamp lighting, and pradakshina.
  3. Offer Sincere Prayers: Present flowers, fruits, and offerings with devotion.
  4. Maintain Silence: Stay quiet and peaceful within temple premises.
  5. Photography Rules: Take photos only if permitted, without disrupting rituals or using flash.
  6. Respect Sacred Items: Avoid touching idols or sacred objects unless allowed.
  7. Contribute Generously: Support temple activities through donations or offerings.
  1. Footwear: Remove footwear and leave it in designated areas before entering.
  2. Respect Deities: Avoid touching or climbing on idols or sculptures.
  3. Stay Peaceful: Refrain from loud talking or disruptive behavior.
  4. No Non-Religious Activities: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking on temple grounds.
  5. Electronics: Keep phones silent and avoid loud or disruptive use.
  6. Maintain Harmony: Avoid discussing sensitive or controversial topics

Dress Code

Men:

  1. Wear traditional attire such as dhoti (mundu) or veshti (lungi) with or without angavastram (shawl).
  2. Alternatively, men can wear trousers or pyjamas with a shirt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.

Women:

  1. Wear traditional saree or half saree with blouse or salwar kameez with dupatta.
  2. Alternatively, women can wear long skirts or trousers with a blouse that covers the shoulders. Avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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By Train:

The nearest major railway stations are Trichy Junction (Tiruchirappalli) and Thanjavur Junction. From either station, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Tiruvaiyaru and then proceed to Thiruvedhikudi.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), located approximately 60 km from Thiruvaiyaru. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transport to reach Tiruvaiyaru and then proceed to Thiruvedhikudi. Link7

By Road:

  1. From Chennai: Take a bus from Chennai to Thiruvaiyaru. There are regular government and private buses operating on this route. The journey from Chennai to Tiruvaiyaru takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions.
  2. From Thiruvaiyaru to Thiruvedhikudi: From Thiruvaiyaru, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Thiruvedhikudi. Thiruvedhikudi is located approximately 8 km from Tiruvaiyaru, and the journey by bus/taxi takes around 15-20 minutes.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Kudamurutti River:

  1. The temple is situated on the banks of the Kudamurutti River. This river is considered sacred and adds to the spiritual ambiance of the temple surroundings.



Nearby Cities:

  1. Tiruvaiyaru: Located near Thiruvaiyaru, famous for its association with the saint composer Thyagaraja and the annual Thyagaraja Aradhana music festival.
  2. Thanjavur (Tanjore): A historic city known for its Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing Chola architecture and culture.
  3. Kumbakonam: Known for its numerous temples, including the Mahamaham tank and various Vaishnavite and Shaivite temples.
  4. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): A major city with prominent landmarks like the Rockfort Temple and the Srirangam Temple complex.