Amirthakadeswarar Temple, Thirukadaiyur

Introduction to the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

Amirthakadeswarar Temple is in Thirukadaiyur (Thirukkadavur), Mayiladuthurai district, Tamilnadu. It is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 47th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the Cauvery River, Tamilnadu. In this temple, Shiva is also known as Mrityunjaya—the Conqueror of Death.

Legend of the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

There are several legends associated with the temple. According to one legend, once Mother Abirami's ardent devotee, Subramanian, was in deep prayer. King Saraboji enquired about the Tithi of the day to him. Though it was a No-Moon day, seeing Devi's shining face in his mind, he told him it was a Full Moon day.

The king said he would be hanged if he failed to prove it was Full Moon Day. Undaunted by the king's order, he surrendered completely at Mother Abirami's feet and began praising her glory in 100 verses in the Andhadhi, a poetic style. Andhadhi means 'first and last'; the last word of the preceding verse will be the first word in the next verse.

When Subramanian sang the 79th verse, Mother Abirami threw her earrings into the air, which shone like a full moon.

The king realized his mistake and released Subramanian, pleased by his devotion. From that day onward, Subramanian was called Abirami Pattar, meaning "priest of Abirami," and the king became his disciple.

This event is still celebrated in the Amirthakadeswarar Temple on the New Moon day of Thai (January-February).

The Architecture of the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

Raja Raja Chola I built the temple in the 11th century. The Amirthakadeswarar Temple displays the Chola style of architecture. It has a 7-tier Rajagopuram with various images depicting legends associated with the temple. A Dhwaja Sthambam stands before the Amirthakadeswarar Temple. Visitors can see a Yantra on the right wall of the shrine called Thirukadaiyur Rahasyam (secret). The temple is spread over 11 acres.

During the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1075-1120), the temple's stone walls replaced its earlier brick walls, and the Mandapam was also constructed.

Inscriptions in the Amirthakadeswarar Temple date back to the eleventh century, during the rule of Raja Raja Chola 1. The temple ponds are Amirtha Theertham, Markandeya Theertham, and Kaala Theertham. The temple's Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam.

The presiding deity of the Amirthakadeswarar Temple is Amirthakadeswarar, an incarnation of Shiva. He graces the sanctum as a Swayambu Lingam facing west, along with his consort, Abirami Ammai.
Near the sanctum is a separate shrine for Kalasamharamurthy, the savior of Markandeya. Abirami and Markandeya are enshrined separately.

Amrita Narayana and his consort, Amrita Valli, have a separate shrine. The temple's precinct houses Abirami Pattar's image.

Significance of the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

The Amirthakadeswarar Temple has great mythological significance. Shiva killed Yama to protect his ardent devotee, Markandeya, at this place. Ganga Theertham appeared at the graveyard of Thirukadaiyur as per Markandeya's request. Brahma received Gnana Upadesam here. Abirami changed Thai Amavasya (No Moon Day) into Pournami (Full Moon Day) for Abirami Pattar.

Devotees celebrate Shashtiapthapoorthi (completion of 60 years), Bhimaratha Santhi (completion of 70 years), and Sadhabhishekam (Completion of 80 years) for their long lives. People from across the country visit the Amirthakadeswarar Temple to conduct their 60th or 80th-year marriages at this sacred temple.

Agathiar, Vasuki, Durga, Brahman, Yaman, Markandeya, Karinayanar, Kungiliyakalaya Nayanar, and Pulatheeswarar are said to have worshipped at the Amirthakadeswarar Temple.

Festivals in the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

The Amirthakadeswarar Temple hosts an eight-day Brahmotsavam in Chithirai month. 1008 Sangabishekam is held every Monday in the month of Karthikai. Aadi Pooram, Diwali, Navaratri, Pongal, New Year, and Shivratri are other festivals celebrated here.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Amirthakadeswarar Temple

The Amirthakadeswarar Temple is considered a place to offer atonement to Rahu-Ketu Doshas. Devotees visit the temple for longevity, peace, and prosperity.