the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

According to the legend that in ancient times, the region was a forest densely covered with Vilwa trees. A shepherd, while grazing his cows, observed that one of his cows was pouring its milk at a particular place every day. He informed the locals and they cleared that area of bushes and found a Maragatha Swayambu Lingam. The legend is that Goddess Parvathi came here as Kamadhenu (cow) and worshipped Lord Shiva. Hence the Ambal here is named Govardhanambikai (Go meaning cow in Tamil). Another legend associated with Thiruidaichuram is that of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. It is believed that, while on his pilgrimage, the saint decided to take rest here after visiting Thirukkazhukkundram temple. Lord Shiva took the form of a shepherd, came to him and offered some buttermilk to quench his thirst. When the shepherd asked him who he was, Sambanthar replied that he was on a pilgrimage to visit Shiva temples. The shepherd told the Saint that there was a Shivalingam near this place too and insisted him to visit that also. Sambanthar followed the shepherd who stopped near this temple tank, smiled and then suddenly disappeared. Sambanthar realized that the shepherd was none other than Lord Shiva himself. While rendering his pathigam here he mentioned the lord as Idaichuranathar – Idai meaning came and left mid-way in Tamil. It is believed that Sages Gowtama and Sanath Kumarar have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 27th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. The Moolavar here is a large sized Swayambhumurthy (self-manifested lingam) and is made of Emerald (Maragatham). This east facing temple has two main corridors and a main tower (Rajagopuram) with five-tiers. The temple is said to have been built in 7th Century. This place is in a beautiful location in the midst of hills and so it gets the name Idai-churam (Idai means – in between and churam means hills and forests). Saint Thirugnanasambanthar was mesmerised to see the glittering Maragatha lingam and while rendering his pathigam, he finished each stanza with the lines - Idaichuram mevia ivar vannam enne, meaning what a beautiful colour the lord has!. During the time of arthi, one can notice the beautiful and glittering Maragadha lingam. The tank from where Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Sambanthar still exists and is called Kaatchi Kulam (kaatchi meaning appearance and kulam meaning tank). In the outer corridor, three trees - Vilva, Neem (Vembu) and Peepal (Arasu) are growing together and is believed to represent Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Vinayaka. It is a common belief amongst devotees that worshipping these trees will ensure unity in the family and those separated will get re-united. Another interesting feature to see here is that in the outer corridor, a banyan tree is gradually engulfing a palm tree. A beautiful relief of Lord Murugan with his spear (vel) and with his right leg on his mount (peacock) can be seen on the right side of the Lord Shiva’s sanctum. Another interesting feature of this temple is that the sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by Ahazhi (half circle water tank). It is believed that by worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in this temple, devotees are blessed with Santhana Prapthi (child boon).

Mahasivratri in the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March) is very famous here and is celebrated in a grand manner. During Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), the lord’s wedding festival is celebrated. During the same time, bangles festival (Valaikappu) of Goddess Govardhanambikai is also celebrated. Chitra Poornima in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is also significant. Every month Padosham and Krithigai are also observed.