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The land where faith had conquered Kala (or Death), Thirukadaiyur is a numinous town in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Home to several temples, Thurukadaiyur is a place of religious significance for Hindu devotees all over the country and beyond. Thirukadaiyur temples prove to be an anchor of hope to millions of pilgrims every year. The temples reflect the flamboyant architecture of the Chola dynasty with walls carved with mythological legends that depict the tales of valour and undeterred faith. Lord Shiva is the cynosure of these legends and is worshipped by throngs of devotees that come to the town. If you are looking for a peaceful, spiritual retreat away from your chaotic work life, Thirukadaiyur is your place to be.
A majestic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Amritaghateshwar is an iconic example of Tamil architecture and Hindu beliefs. The temple boasts of numerous religiously significant shrines, Amritaghateshwar and Abirami being the most famous among the pilgrims. The temple is the most important of all Thirukadaiyur temples.
According to legends, a sage named Mrikandu used to live with his wife, Marudmati near the Amritaghateswarar temple. Lord Shiva bestowed upon the couple an ideal child who was destined to live only until the age of 16. The boy, whose name was Markandey, grew up to be a devotee of Shiva. On the day he turned 16, Yama(The God of Death), descended upon earth to take his life. Terrified by the Death God, Markandey took shelter in the temple and embraced the Holy Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva emerged out of the lingam and warned Yama to take a step back. Yama, blinded by arrogance, threw his noose around the boy and the lingam, tying them together. Enraged by the audacity of the Death God, Lord Shiva kicked Yama and took his life. Shiva Markandeya of never outgrowing his present age.
The temple includes an idol of Lord Shiva with his forefinger raised. It is a warning of not killing someone in a place of worship.
The large temple complex is sprawled over 10 acres and guarded by two gates known as the Gopurams (an ornate entrance tower reflecting Dravidian architectural style). There are inscriptions of the wall that date back to the 10th-11th century and transport you into the reign of the Cholas. The temple has five courtyards and large Mandapas.
The Rajagopuram or the front entrance is awash with depictions of various legends in the form of mortar images. There are three Teerthams known as “Kaala Teertham’, ‘Markandeya Teertham’ and ‘Amrita Pushkarini Teertham.’ You will also find separate shrines devoted to Goddess Abhirami and Markandey in the temple.
This temple is one of the Ashta Veerattanam temples, which signify all the places where Lord Shiva had victories in war. On your visit to this temple, you may find devotees arriving to celebrate their 60th and 80th birthdays and wedding anniversaries. This practice is known as Shashtipoorthi or a ‘victory over death’. The Shaiva-poet saints Kungli Nayanar and Kari Nayanar both meditated and found salvation here. The glories of the shrines found a place in the songs of Nayanar Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnana Sambandar. Revered sages have visited this temple in all centuries. Many of them are said to have been blessed by the Goddess Abhirami.
The temple is just 100 yards away from Amirthakadeswarar temple and is dedicated to Goddess Amirtha Valli Thayer. The temple is one of the lesser-known Thirukadaiyur temples but holds immense religious importance.
According to local folklore, the Devas were once losing a battle against the Asuras and turned to Lord Narayana for help. Lord Narayana asked them to churn holy nectar from the ocean to regain their powers. The Devas followed their lord’s instructions however, they decided to drink the nectar without worshipping Lord Ganesha before doing so. Angered by this, Ganesha hid the nectar in the Amirthakadeswarar temple. The Devas sought permission to secure nectar from the Amirthghateshwar lingam from Goddess Abhirami. While all the Devas were drinking the nectar, an Asura secretly disguised himself as a Deva and drank the elixir. Due to this, he was cut into two pieces by Lord Amrita Narayanan(Vishnu). They are seen here together in two Sannidhis as a memory of the event.
An east facing, brick temple from the Chozha period, the Amirtha Narayana Perumal temple is mostly in ruins and undergoing reconstruction. You will find two Moolavar Sannidhis depicting the legends of the temple.
The temple is a Parihara Sthalam for treating the Rahu-Kethhu dosha. There is a belief that only the person who worships in this temple will get the full benefit of worshipping Goddess Abhirami at the Amirthakadeswarar Temple. Many revered sages like Ramanjur offered prayers in this temple.
Located 0.5 km from the town of Thirukadaiyur, the Markandeyar temple is a shrine of Sri Markandeyar. It is believed that Markandeyar worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and performed various pujas to please him.
If you remember the legend of Amirthghateshwar, then you will be delighted to know this is the place where Lord Shiva blessed saint Mrikandu and his wife with a bright child. The child was named as Markandeyar, and he grew up to be a noble boy. He became a staunch devotee of Shiva. After Markandeyar got the gift of immortality as a blessing from Lord Shiva, the temple was built in the memory of the event and to honour the unshakable faith of Markandeyar.
The temple was once dilapidated, but later it was restored and renovated by Thiru T.R. Viswanatha Gurukkal. The newly built temple is equipped with all modern amenities including a large hall and main temple complex. As a trademark of Tamil temple architecture, the temple top has intricate carvings and sculptures of religious significance. In the temple, you can find the beautiful idol of Sri Markandeya sitting next to Lord Shiva blessing the devotees with a long, pure and happy life.
Every year, special pujas are organized in the temple on Ashwini Star day to honour the day Lord Shiva brought a pot of Pure Ganga water to chastise Markandeya. Devotees believe that if people perform Shiva Parvathi Kalyanam puja in the temple for their unmarried daughter, she will get married soon.
The temple is at Thirukadaiyur Mayanam which just 2 km from Thirukadaiyur. It is one of the many Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and also the 55th west facing Shiva Sthalams in Tamil Nadu.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva destroyed and created Brahma at five places known as “Mayanams”. After Lord Shiva destroyed Brahma, life on earth was severely affected. So the Devas visited this place and requested Shiva to revive Brahma. After Brahma back came to life, Lord Shiva gave Brahma the “Shiva Gnanam” in this place. Hence, it is also called the “Thiru Meignanam” making it one of the most revered Thirukadaiyur temples.
The temple has long corridors highlighted by idols of different Devas and elegantly carved stone sculptures. Beautiful shrines of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathy enhance the glory of the temple. Apart from this, the corridors have idols and engraven images of many Gods like Siddhi Vinayak, Murugan, Nataraja, Brahma, Nalvar and goddess Chandikesari.
According to religious beliefs, the Pambatti Siddhar once lived in this place, who is one of the 18 holy Siddhars. Belief has it that Lord Shiva gave “Gnanam” to Brahma in this place, so anyone who worships here will defeat ignorance and gain spiritual wisdom. The water from the well near the temple finds use in Abhishekam of Amirthghateshwar lingam.
A variety of events and festivals are celebrated in Thirukadaiyur. The locals of the town celebrate Diwali with great pomp and show in October. Homes and temples are lit up with glowing Diyas, and in the evenings, festive gatherings are organised. In January, the Pongal festival celebration catches all the eyes. Special boat racing events are organised during this festival. During Maha Shivaratri, special pujas are held to celebrate the festival heartily.
As they say, you can’t pray on an empty stomach. So why not have a scrumptious meal in the streets of Thirukadaiyur? Your taste buds will dance in joy as you feast on delicious south Indian delicacies like Ildi vada, uttapam, and dosa with a flavour of Thirukadaiyur’s culture. Do not miss the mouthwatering Poori Aloo served in the local restaurants. The most popular restaurants are Krishna Bhavan, Hotel Mani Iyer, and Amirthan hotel.
By Air: Tiruchirapalli Airport is the nearest airport to the town and is located about 148 km from Thirukadaiyur. The airport is well connected to all major cities of the country.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Thirukadaiyur is Mayiladuthurai railway station. Regular trains are available from Mysore(MYS). From the station, you can reach Thirukadiyur via taxis.
By road: Tamil Nadu state transport buses link Thirukadaiyur with all major cities. Buses are available from cities like Madras, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, and Nagore.
Usage of cameras and mobile phones is generally prohibited in the premises of the temples. You can know more about rules and regulations regarding the same from the temple authorities.
With its stunning and enigmatic temples, Thirukadaiyur provides a spiritual experience like no other. Visit Thirukadaiyur to dig deep into history that will keep you wanting for more. Plan your trip to this mystical town today and be assured of a heavenly experience.
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April 15, 2024 
