the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

The legend associated with this temple is that of a demon called Mundasuran. After rigorous penance, he was blessed with a lot of powers by Lord Shiva. He also obtained the power that he could not be killed by other demons or devas. He started misusing his powers by harassing Lord Brahma and other celestial gods. They complained to Lord Shiva and sought his intervention. Lord Shiva directed Vaduka Bairavar, one of the eight Bairavars, to destroy the demon. After killing Mundasuran, it is believed that Vaduka Bairavar worshiped the lord here to seek relief from the Brahmahathi dosham (the sin accrued by the act of killing). Hence the lord here is named Sri Vadukeeswarar and this place gets the name Vadukur. Another legend associated with this temple is that of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma, the creator, had five heads like Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma was very proud of this equality. Once Goddess Parvathi mistook Lord Brahma as Lord Shiva and extended the honours which Lord Brahma did not refuse. The confusion arose because both had five heads. To remove this confusion, Lord Shiva decided to remove one head of Lord Brahma and he did this here. Lord Brahma realized his mistake, he pleaded to Lord Shiva to pardon him, which Lord Shiva acceded to. It is believed that this event took place here. As Lord Shiva removed one head of Lord Brahma, the lord here is praised as Sri Vadukeeswarar (vaduku means to pluck in Tamil). Devotees believe that worshiping the lord of this temple would bless them with better job opportunities and promotions in works.

This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 16th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. The lord of this temple, Lord Vadukeeswarar is slightly leaning towards the left side. There is no flag post (Dwajasthambam) in this temple.This east facing temple’s main tower is not tiered. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Paranthakan-I. It is constructed in a style that is similar to that of Tanjore temple but it is much smaller in size. The historical name of this place is Vadukur and that of the temple is Andarkoil. However, over a period of time, this place’s name has been changed to Thiru Andarkoil. Currently, this temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, Department of Culture, Government of India.

The wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is celebrated on the day of the Tamil New Year. It mostly falls on 14th of April every year. Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are - Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Skanda Shashti in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Thai Poosam in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar). Pradosham is observed regularly. Also, poojas to Lord Bairavar is conducted on all Sundays and on all Ashtami days.