Kadambar Koil (Trichy - Tamil Nadu)

Kadambar Koil (Trichy - Tamil Nadu)

Its been a while ever since I wanted to visit Kadambar Koil, Kulithalai. Last time when I started, I somehow ended up visiting Pettavaithalai and from there explored to Thirupparaithurai. So last Sunday, I made it a point to visit Kulithalai.

As for every temple tour, I had to wake up at 6:30 and leave soon, as the temples close in the noon for Nadai Moodudhal. I took the bus and reached Kulithalai bus stop by around 9:30. The temple is located very near to the bus stop. As usual after enquired about the whereabouts of ‘Ishwaran Koil’, I started walking. Just a 10 min walk and I reached the road behind the temple. I walked around and reached the entrance.

This temple is called Dhakshina Kasi. Kasi is another name the Mystical Holy Place – Benaras (Dunno when am I gonna visit the Mystical place myself!!! Lets see). Dhakshina means South, so this place is considered as Benaras of South.

The Lord here is Lord Shiva called Kadambavaneshwarar. Goddess Parvathi here is called Balakujalambal aka Mutrila Mulaiyambikai.

The legend here is that the Saptha Kanniyar (7 young ladies) were affected by the Brahmagathi Dosham due to the bane of an angry Kathyaayana Saint. He was angered coz they caused distraction to him when the battle between the Devas (Angels) and Asuras (Demons) persisted. And when these 7 young ladies realized their mistake and asked sorry, they were asked to perform prayers to the Ishwaran (Lord Shiva) who is North Faced.

So the very place is Kulithalai where Kadambavaneshwarar faces north which is a very rare phenomenon. He is here in the form of Suyambu (Self formed) Lingam. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, behind Him are the Saptha Kanniyar.

The Sthala Vruksham (Temple tree) is Kadamba Maram. That is the reason why he’s called Kadamba Vaneshwarar.

This place is a specialty for people with Brahmagathi Dosham. Also it’s a wedding specialty place. Nearly 200 weddings happen here per year to Ishwaran and Ambal. Thinking why would they get married so many times to each other.? It’s a practice o’er here is that when a wedding ritual prayer is conducted between Ishwaran (Lord Shiva) and Ambal (His consort, Goddess Parvathi), their wedding would happen soon without any trouble.

Murugan Sathru Samhara Poojai another specialty here to remove all obstacles that might happen in any particular thing, say business.

Iyadigal Kadavar Kon (one among the 63 Saivaite saints) has sung hymns on this place.

I started circumambulating. I met Jeshta Devi, Suriyan (Sun), Arubathumoovar (63 saints of Saivism), Nalvar (The 4 saints), Chandikesar, Dakshinamurthy, Ganapathy, Annamalayar, Arumugar, Akora Virabadhrar, Pancha Lingam (the lingam’s that denote the 5 elements of nature), Somaskandhar (the little baby Lord Muruga), Gajalakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi with Elephants), Sanishwarar (Lord of Saturday).

This temple was built during the era of Cholas. It was then renovated during the era of Nagaraththar rule under Devakottai chettiyar.

Kadambar Koil is considered as the 2nd of the 108 Saivaite temples. Beside the flowing Cauvery River the places was so so so scenic.

I came out of the temple and there was this beautiful Thear (Temple car).

Beside was a lorry and these cute goats standing under its shadow!!!

The best part was the finishing given by the temple priest Swaminatha Kurukkal. When I enquired about the nearby place called Manathattai Agraharam, he asked he to go there immediately as there was a Radha Kalyanam function happening there, and in that decent devotional, well-to-do crowd, I might find a right guy for me!!! Wow, isn’t that a perfect reason to venture to that place and I did just the same!!! What happened in Manathattai Agraharam.? Coming soon……