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Uthavedeeswarar temple

Ukthavedeeswarar Temple, located in Kuthalam Town in Kuthalam Taluk of Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is known as Ukthavedeeswarar, also called Sonnavaaru Arivaar, while the Goddess is worshipped as Mukizhambikai, also referred to by other names such as Amirthamukizhambigai, Vanamulai Nayaki, Arumpanna Valamulaiyal, and Parimala Sugandha Nayaki. This temple holds great religious significance and is considered one of the Pancha Krosha Sthalams associated with Thirumanancheri. It is also one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the sacred hymns of the early mediaeval Thevaram by the revered Saivite saints. Specifically, this temple is the 154th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 37th on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. Furthermore, it is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the three great saints—Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar—have sung their devotional hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The temple is also recognized as one of the Thiruvasaga Sthalams, enhancing its spiritual significance for devotees.

Timings

Morning: 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening: 05:30 PM to 08:30 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

Goddess Parvathi, deeply in love with Lord Shiva, was determined to marry Him. However, she did not wish to act against her parents' will. Instead, she persuaded Lord Shiva to approach her parents and seek their consent for the marriage. Lord Shiva, embodying all noble qualities, obliged and met with her parents. With their consent, Lord Shiva and Parvathi were happily married. This story offers a valuable lesson to modern lovers, encouraging them to seek the approval of both sets of parents without causing conflict.

According to legend, Sage Bharatha longed for Goddess Parvathi to be his daughter and performed intense penance. Lord Shiva granted his wish, causing Parvathi to be born to the sage from a sacred fire pit (Homa Gunda). As she grew, Parvathi's only desire was to marry Lord Shiva. She performed rigorous penance on the banks of the Cauvery River, creating a Shivalinga from sand. During her penance, she discovered another Shivalinga, a sign of Lord Shiva’s response to her devotion. The Lord emerged from the Linga, took Parvathi by the hand, and she requested that He seek her parents’ consent for their marriage. Lord Shiva agreed and sent Nandhi to her parents to propose, and they joyfully accepted. The wedding date was set, and Lord Shiva travelled to Kuthalam, accompanied by the sacred Uddhala tree which provided shade during His journey. At Kuthalam, He married Parvathi and left His sandals (padukas) and the Uddhala tree in memory of the event.


Legend :



Sage Bharatha’s Desire: As per legend, Sage Bharatha had his hermitage in this place and longed to have Goddess Parvathi as his daughter. To fulfil his wish, he performed the Putra Kameshti Yagna, and from the Homa Gunda (fire pit), Goddess Parvathi emerged as a small child. The sage raised her as his own daughter. When she reached marriageable age, Parvathi desired to marry Lord Shiva. To fulfil her wish, she made a Shivalinga from sand on the banks of the Cauvery River and performed penance.

Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and agreed to her proposal. Parvathi, in turn, requested that He approach her parents and seek their consent. Lord Shiva sent Nandi to Sage Bharatha with the marriage proposal, and the sage happily accepted. The wedding day was fixed. Lord Shiva journeyed from Kailasa on His mount Nandi, and the Uddhala tree from heaven accompanied Him, providing shade during the journey.

The betrothal ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi took place at this sacred site. After the ceremony, Lord Shiva left His sandals and the Uddhala tree here as a symbol of the event. To this day, the Uddhala tree remains in the temple, and devotees can see the sandals of Lord Shiva beneath it. This place, originally known as Uddhalam, gradually became known as Kuthalam. Since Lord Shiva kept His promise to marry Parvathi, He came to be revered here as Sonnavaaru Arivaar—the one who keeps His word.

Sundarar Theertham: Saint Sundarar, after marrying Paravai Nachiyar in Tiruvarur, also married Sangili Nachiyar in Thiruvottriyur. Sundarar promised Sangili Nachiyar that he would never leave her, with Lord Shiva as a witness to this vow. However, Sundarar broke his promise by returning to Tiruvarur to visit Paravai Nachiyar. Upon crossing the borders of Thiruvottriyur, he lost his vision as punishment for violating his word.

Understanding his mistake, Sundarar prayed to Lord Shiva at Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar Temple and regained vision in one eye. The Lord then directed him to visit Thoovanayanar Temple at Arur Paravayunmandali to restore vision in his other eye. Weakened by the journey, Sundarar visited Kuthalam Temple to seek relief. Lord Shiva instructed him to take a dip in the Padma Theertham and consume the leaves of the Uddhala tree. Sundarar followed these instructions and was restored to full health. In honour of his recovery, the Padma Theertham became known as Sundarar Theertham, and a separate shrine for Sundarar is located near the sacred tank.

Kuthalam as Equivalent to Kasi: A devout Brahmin named Rudrasarma set out on a pilgrimage to Kasi to attain salvation. Wanting to demonstrate the spiritual power of Kuthalam, Lord Shiva sent His servant Gundodhara in the form of a snake to stop Rudrasarma’s journey. When Rudrasarma encountered the serpent, he chanted the Garuda Mantra, causing the snake to fall unconscious.

Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a snake charmer, reviving the snake. Rudrasarma realised that only Lord Shiva could break the mantra’s spell, and he fell at the Lord’s feet in reverence. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva informed him that he could attain salvation in Kuthalam itself, as this place was spiritually equivalent to Kasi.

The Origin of Homam: According to legend, Lord Agni, the god of fire, was cursed such that anything he touched would be destroyed. Saddened by the destructive association with his name, Agni prayed to Lord Shiva at Kuthalam for relief. Moved by his prayers, Lord Shiva decreed that Agni would continue to destroy evil but would also be an essential element for the well-being of the universe. Furthermore, Lord Shiva declared that Agni would carry the offerings made in homams (sacrificial rituals) to the heavens for presentation to the Lord. Thus, the practice of Homam is said to have originated in Kuthalam.

Queen Komala’s Recovery: In another legend, Queen Komala, the wife of King Vikrama Chola, suffered from smallpox. She visited Kuthalam Temple and prayed to Lord Shiva for healing. Through her devotion, she was cured of the disease after her worship at the temple.

Thunai Vandha Vinayakar: It is believed that when Goddess Parvathi was born at Kuthalam, Lord Vinayaka accompanied her. Hence, the Vinayaka in this temple is known as Thunai Vandha Vinayakar, meaning the one who accompanied her.

Kathiramangalam: As per legend, Lord Suryan (referred to as Kathiravan in Tamil) worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. It is believed that he stayed in the nearby village during his worship, which led to the village being named Kathiramangalam after him.

Thiru Thuruthi: In ancient times, Kuthalam was known as Thiru Thuruthi, with "Thuruthi" meaning "mound" or "island" in Tamil. This name is fitting, as the town is situated between the Cauvery River and the Manjalaru River, resembling an island.

Worship by Celestial Beings: Many revered figures have worshipped Lord Shiva at Kuthalam, including Mother Parvati, Suryan, Varuna, Agni, Manmadhan, the Saptarishis (Kashyapa, Gowthama, Angira, Markandeya, Pulasthya, Vashishta, Agastya & Bharatha), Sage Agastya, Sundarar, Rudrasarma, and Kali.


Religious Significance :


Pancha Krosha Sthalams of Thirumanancheri: This temple is one of the five revered Pancha Krosha Sthalams associated with Thirumanancheri. It is considered highly auspicious to visit all five temples between sunrise and sunset on the same day. The Pancha Krosha Sthalams are:

  1. Udhvaganathar Temple, Thirumanancheri
  2. Ukthavedeeswarar Temple, Kuthalam
  3. Airavateshwarar Temple, Mela Thirumanancheri
  4. Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple, Thiruvelvikudi
  5. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Sembanarkoil

Paadal Petra Sthalams: This temple is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred shrines praised in the Thevaram hymns. It is the 154th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 37th on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. Notably, this temple is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the Moovar (the three great Saiva saints—Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, and Sundarar) composed hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.

Thiruvasaga Sthalam: This temple is also honoured as a Thiruvasaga Sthalam because the 9th-century Saiva saint-poet Manikkavasagar composed verses in its praise in his renowned work, Thiruvasagam.


Administration History :


The temple has been under the administrative control of the Dharmapuram Adheenam, one of the prominent religious institutions in Tamil Nadu. Historical inscriptions indicate that the temple received patronage from various Chola kings, including Rajendra Chozha I and Kulothunga Chozha III, who made endowments and land grants for its maintenance. The Vijayanagara period also saw significant contributions, including tax exemptions and financial support for temple activities. Over the centuries, the temple underwent renovations and expansions, reflecting the evolving architectural styles and religious practices. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam was last conducted on February 1, 1960, marking a significant milestone in the temple's history.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine checks and maintenance of the temple structure, including cleaning, repairing, and restoring artwork.
  2. Do Engage the Community: Involve local communities in preservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the temple.
  3. Do Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the temple's history, architecture, rituals, and artefacts for future reference and education.
  4. Do Educate Visitors: Provide information to visitors about the temple's significance, history, and cultural practices to promote respect and appreciation.
  5. Do Organise Cultural Events: Host festivals, rituals, and community events to keep the temple vibrant and relevant in the lives of local people.
  6. Do Seek Expertise: Consult with conservation specialists and historians to ensure preservation efforts are authentic and appropriate.
  7. Do Promote Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly practices, such as waste management and water conservation, in the temple's daily operations.
  8. Do Create Partnerships: Collaborate with heritage organisations and local government bodies to secure resources and support for preservation efforts.
  1. Don't Neglect Repairs: Avoid postponing necessary repairs, as neglect can lead to more significant damage and costly restoration.
  2. Don't Alter Original Features: Refrain from making unauthorised modifications or alterations to the temple's architecture or layout that could compromise its historical integrity.
  3. Don't Ignore Cultural Practices: Avoid dismissing traditional rituals and practices, as they play a crucial role in the temple's identity and community engagement.
  4. Don't Disrespect the Space: Ensure that visitors and community members understand and follow the decorum and etiquette expected within the temple premises.
  5. Don't Use Harmful Materials: Avoid using non-biodegradable materials or harmful chemicals for cleaning and maintenance, as they can damage the temple structure and environment.
  6. Don't Isolate from the Community: Do not operate the temple as a closed entity; foster open communication and relationships with local residents and devotees.
  7. Don't Overlook Financial Needs: Avoid ignoring the financial aspects of temple maintenance; regularly assess funding needs and seek contributions or sponsorships as necessary.
  8. Don't Compromise on Safety: Ensure that all preservation activities prioritise the safety of visitors and workers, including adhering to building codes and regulations.

Dress Code

For Men : Men are expected to wear traditional attire, such as a dhoti or lungi, preferably in plain colours, along with a shirt or kurta. It is advisable to avoid wearing shorts, ripped jeans, or any casual clothing that may be deemed disrespectful.

For Women : Women should wear traditional attire, such as sarees or salwar kameez, with modest designs and colours. It is recommended to avoid revealing clothing, shorts, or sleeveless tops to maintain decorum in the temple.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport, located approximately 127 km from the temple.

By Rail: The temple is 9 km from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station.

By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road, situated about 10.8 kms from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Cauvery River: A significant river flowing nearby, revered in Hindu culture and crucial for irrigation and agriculture in the region.
  2. Thamarai River: Located in close proximity, this river is associated with the temple and its rituals, contributing to the temple's sanctity.
  3. Arasalar River: Another river nearby, providing natural beauty and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the temple area.


Cities :

  1. Tiruvarur: The nearest city, known for its rich cultural heritage, numerous temples, and as a hub for Tamil literature and music.
  2. Thanjavur: Located a short distance away, this city is famous for its historical significance, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Kumbakonam: Known as the temple city, it is famous for its numerous temples, festivals, and traditional culture, situated not far from the temple.
  4. Trichy (Tiruchirappalli): A major city in Tamil Nadu, known for its historical landmarks, educational institutions, and as a gateway to several temples in the region.