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Vilva Vaneswarar Temple

This is the 102nd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 48th Sthalam on the northern side of the River Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. The temple is located in Thiruvaikavur (also known as Thiruvaikavur) on the southern banks of the River Kollidam. In ancient times, this place was known as Bhumipuram and Vilvavanam. The 7th-century poet-saint Thirugnanasambandar referred to it as “Vaika,” and it is currently called Thiruvaika.

Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 am to 11.00 am and from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


This ancient temple is situated on the southern bank of the River Kollidam, north of the River Manniyaru. Historically, the site has been known as Vilva Vanam and Bhoomi Puram.

According to stone inscriptions found at the temple, Chola King Kulothungan I reconstructed the temple using granite during the 11th century AD.

The temple is currently under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).


Puranic Significance :-



  1. Sthalapuranam 1 :


No matter how many times you hear the story of Vedan oruvan worshipping Eason (Shiva) on Shivratri from the tree, it never loses its charm. The fact that this legendary event took place in Thiruvai Kaur is truly fascinating.

The tale begins with a hunter named Vedan who spotted a deer. As he moved closer, the deer leapt up and ran. It entered a thick archway and then the hut of a sage, who lived a little distance away. Vedan followed in hot pursuit. The sage, Davanidi, told him, “Don’t kill the deer. Go elsewhere.” But Vedan was insistent, saying, “I need this deer. I don’t care about your instructions. Either hand it over to me properly, or I will even attack you to get it.”

Realising that Shiva was going to intervene, the sage remained calm and silent, as if saying, “Do whatever you want; I will not give up the deer.” This only fueled Vedan’s anger. He raised his hand to attack the sage when suddenly a roar was heard nearby. Vedan turned to see a tiger with fiery eyes standing before him. Terrified, Vedan fled, with the tiger chasing him.

The sage prayed to Mahadeva, “Bless this innocent Vedan.” Vedan escaped and took refuge in a bow tree nearby. Shiva, who had taken the form of the tiger, decided to bless Vedan for his forthcoming good deeds, cleansing his sight and bestowing mercy upon him.

As night fell, hunger and fear made Vedan anxious. He plucked bow leaves and threw them at the tiger, who accepted them with delight. Throughout the night, Vedan continued to pluck leaves, unable to sleep. By dawn, a large pile of bow leaves had accumulated beneath the tree. When Vedan descended from the tree and cleared the leaves, Shiva appeared before him in radiant glory.

Brahma and Vishnu appeared in the sky to witness this miracle. As Vedan’s life neared its end, Emanatharmarajan (the king) approached him. Lord Shiva, in the form of Dakshinamurthy, chased Golendhi with his hand. Shiva looked at Nandi Deva, who was at a distance. Nandi Deva stopped Eman with his breath. Eman made a sacred water body there, bathed in it, and worshipped Shiva, who then granted him release.

Although the mythological story is recounted in various ways, this is the essence of it. If Shiva decides to bless someone, no one can thwart His intentions.


  1. Sthalapuranam 2 :


In this temple, there are no idols of Dwarapalakas (temple guards) because Lord Shiva sent them out to chase Yama. Instead, Lords Mahavishnu and Brahma have taken on the role of Dwarapalakas. Lord Brahma created a tank (Theertham) at this location and worshipped Lord Shiva, symbolising his role as the creator of the universe.

Lord Mahavishnu, having previously lied to the wife of the demon Salandhiran before killing him, sought to atone for this sin by visiting this temple and worshipping Lord Shiva. As a result, Lord Shiva here is also revered as “Sri Hariesar.”

Additionally, it is believed that Goddess Bhooma Devi visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva, which is why the site is also known as “Bhoomi Puram.”


  1. Sthalapuranam 3 :


It is believed that on a Shivratri night, a thief, while attempting to steal ornaments from a sleeping child, accidentally killed the child. The child’s father, a devout Shiva devotee, prayed to Lord Shiva to bring his child back to life. According to legend, Lord Shiva granted the father’s prayer and resurrected the child. Consequently, Lord Shiva is also honoured here as “Sri Makavarulesar.”

The story goes that Sage Unthaala had cursed the Saptha Kannihas (seven virgins). The Saptha Kannihas came to this temple, worshipped Lord Shiva, and were absolved of their sins.

Apart from the Yama Theertham, there is another sacred tank known as Agni Theertham. It is believed that Lord Agni created this holy water and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Additionally, on the advice of Lord Shiva, the four Vedas are said to have visited this place and performed penance in the form of Vilva trees. This association with the Vedas is why the place is also called “Vilva Vanam.”

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional clothing.
  2. Remove Footwear: Leave shoes outside the temple.
  3. Maintain Silence: Keep noise levels low.
  4. Stay Clean: Bathe before visiting and maintain cleanliness.
  5. Offer Prayers Respectfully: Participate in rituals sincerely.
  6. Circumambulate Clockwise: Walk around the sanctum in the correct direction.
  7. Follow Temple Timings: Visit during designated hours.
  8. Contribute: Donations for temple upkeep are encouraged.
  9. Observe Fasting: Fast on special occasions like Shivaratri.
  10. Respect Elders and Priests: Seek their blessings.


  1. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Do not bring or consume meat.
  2. Avoid Leather: Do not wear leather items inside.
  3. No Alcohol or Tobacco: Refrain from these substances.
  4. Avoid Photography: Respect rules on photography.
  5. Do Not Touch Deities: Follow temple rules.
  6. Respect Menstrual Restrictions: Follow temple traditions.
  7. Don't Disrupt Rituals: Be mindful of ongoing ceremonies.
  8. Wear Proper Clothing: Avoid revealing or inappropriate attire.
  9. Don’t Litter: Keep the premises clean.
  10. Be Patient: Avoid rushing during darshan.

Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Traditional attire such as dhoti or veshti is preferred.
  2. Shirts or upper garments are usually removed inside the sanctum sanctorum as a mark of respect (specific to some temples).
  3. Kurtas or traditional shirts may be worn outside the sanctum area.
  4. Avoid Western attire like jeans, shorts, or tight clothing.

For Women:

  1. Sarees or salwar kameez are recommended for women.
  2. Women may also wear half-sarees or other traditional Indian clothing.
  3. Avoid revealing clothes like sleeveless tops, short skirts, or tight outfits.
  4. Dress should cover the shoulders and knees, reflecting modesty.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


  1. The best season to visit temples, especially in Tamil Nadu, is during the winter months from October to March. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring temples and participating in rituals.
  2. October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities.
  3. Festival Season: Many temples celebrate major festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, and Maha Shivaratri during this period, offering a unique spiritual experience.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: Nearest Airport: Trichy International Airport (about 95 km away). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Thiruvaikavur.
  2. By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station (approximately 8 km away). From the station, local buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: From Kumbakonam: It is a short 8 km drive. You can take local buses or hire taxis.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kollidam River (also known as Coleroon) - The temple is located on the southern bank of this river.
  2. Manniyaru River - Flows to the south of Thiruvaikavur.


Nearby Cities:

  1. Kumbakonam - Approximately 8 km from the temple, Kumbakonam is a major city known for its temples.
  2. Thanjavur - About 40 km away, this city is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple and its historical significance.
  3. Mayiladuthurai - Located around 33 km from Thiruvaikavur, it is another important temple town.