The Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru[Thiruvedhikudi]-Thanjavur

Thiruvedhikudi Temple

The Thiruvedhikudi temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapureeswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Kandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Puvananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Tiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Vedapureeswarar Temple is one of the Saptha sthana Sthalam, this is Fourth in order

Period of origin

Before 7 th Century. Appar, Thirugnanasampanthar had sung in Dhevaram.

Name of deity 

Moolavar: Vedhapureeswarar

Ambal: Mangaiyarkarasi

Sthala Theertham:VedhaTheertham 

Stalavriksham: Vilvam 

Sthalapuranam: 

This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Vethiar [priest] for Nandhi's Marriage

The Pranava mantra "OM" came here and worshiped lord Shiva, where ever the Pranavam goes the vedha will follow.  Hence Pranava mantra "OM" considered to be the peak in vedhas, because of all Vedhas worshiped the lord here, this place is called as Vedhikudi.

Here lingam is suyambu, it has been started in the base of banana tree, and hence Lord Shiva is also called as Vazhaimadunathar.

Legend has it that Thirugnanasambanthar had obtained the vision of Lord's marriage.

Lord Brahma is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this sthalam. Sun's rays fall on the Sivalingam at sunrise on 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni every year. It is believed that Sun god Sooriyan performs pooja during these 3 days to Lord Shiva at this sthalam.

The deities here are Vedapureeswarar and Mangayakarasi. There are many sivalingam installed in the prakaram. There is also a beautiful stone idol of Lakshmi Narayana standing by itself in a corner. Lord Ganesa is known as Vedha Pilliar and He is seen in a slanted position. The Arthanareeswarar statue here is unique. Ambal is seen on the right side and Lord Shiva is seen on the right side whereas in the normal Arthanareewarar statue, ambal will be seen in the left and the Lord in the right.

West Faced temple, with three stage Rajagopuram welcomes us. This temple consist of one Praharam, with number of small shrines and 108 shiva lingams.

Inside the premises mahamandapam, vinayagar, murugan are seen. In Arthamandapam, where Lord Vignesh sitting in a pose of hearing vedhas, hence he is called as Vedha Vinayagar or Sevisaitha vinayagar.

Here the Lord relieves Thirumanathadai [obstacle in marriage], Thirumana dhosham. As a proof of this Thirugnanasambanthar had sung about it in Dhevaram and has been written in this temple.

Mangaiyarkarasi[a child in chola family] was one among the 63 Nayanmars named after the goddess in this temple Mangaiyarkarasi.

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha, Mahasivarathri are the major festivals celebrated here.

Temple Timings:

09.30 am to12.30 pm and 03.30 pm to 07.30 pm

Temple Telephone Number: 

Archakar: +91 9345104187

Temple Address: 

Arulmigu Vedhapureeswarar Alayam
Thiruvedikudi
Kandiyur[post]
Thiruvaiyaru [via]
Thanjavur [Dist]
TamilNadu
India.