 Vedagiriswarar temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Kanchipuram. Located on the Chengulpet-Mahabalipuram road of Kanchipuram district, it is one of the legendary temples of Tamil Nadu. Vedagiriswarar temple is commonly known by a number of names, like, Uruthrakodi, Nandipuri, Indrapuri, Narayanapuri, Brahmapuri, Dinakarapuri, Muniganapuri, Patchi Theertham, etc. Several Shaivaite saints and poets like Appar, Sundarar, Manickavaasagar, Pattinathaar, Arunagirinathar, Tiruporur Chidambaram Swaamigal, Andagakavi Veeraraga Mudaliar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Ramanathapuram Somasundaram Pillai, Kanchipuram Mahavidwan Sabapathi Mudaliar have mentioned about this place which is located at the foothills of four hills. Commonly known for its legends this temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vedagiriswarar temple has been resting on some popular legends. According to the common belief Lord Shiva appeared on the top of the hill and is seated in the temple which is situated at the top of the hill. Lord Shiva gave Darshan in the form of a swayambhu Shiva lingam with kavasam.In this temple Lord Shiva has been worshipped by all other Hindu gods and goddesses while the moolavar of this temple is Ambaal or Lord Indra and Vedagiriswarar. Ambaal temple is situated at the foot of the hill. It is believed that Lord Indra worships Lord Shiva with Thunders which is called Idi abhishekham or abhishek with Thunder. Physically the temple organises the abhishekham in three particular months. According to the legend there were eight saints who worshipped Lord Shiva for ages and wished to achieve Saroopa Padavi. When Shiva appeared before them they changed their minds and asked for Sayujya Padavi. Enraged on the change of mind Lord Shiva cursed them to be born as kites. When they asked for forgiveness Shiva relaxed the curse and blessed them to be born as holy kites that shall be born in every yuga. Vedagiriswarar temple stretches upto 12 acres which has a number of mandapas and gopurams. Built by the rulers of Pallava dynasty, this complex includes some of the well decorated pyramidal gopurams which can be seen from the top of the Hill. These colourful gopurams attract the attention of the visitors. Within the campus there is a sacred tank as well. Like all the south Indian temples which are built by following the Dravidian style architecture this temple too includes a sacred tank which is used by the devotees for achieving purity. Thus surrounded with mountains and hill top temples the Vedagiriswarar temple is located at the foot hills which looks like a valley. Known for its legends it is one of the most revered pilgrimage of Tamil Nadu. |
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