Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam
| Date built: | – |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Kodi Kuzhagar |
| Architectural style: | Dravidian architecture |
| Major festivals | – |
| Locale: | Kodiakkarai |
| District:: | Nagapattinam |
| Address: | Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Koil-Amudha Kadeswarar Koil, Kodiakadu-614 821, Nagapattinam District |
| Phone | +91 – 4369 272 470 |
The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. This is the 244th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 127th Shiva Temple on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha nadu.
Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Kodi Kuzhagar Temple at Kodikarai is close to the main road. As it is surrounded by the forest area, not many houses are seen around this area. Saivaite Saint Sundarar refers to the loneliness of this place in his Thevaram Padhigam sung on the Lord. The Temple has a Rajagopuram in the front and one prakaram around the sanctum. Anjanakshi Sametha Amirthakateshwarar (Kodi Kuzhagar) temple of Kodikarai has a Subramanya shrine in the prakaram where the Lord holds Amrutha kalasa in one of his hands. Saint Arunagirinatha has sung Thirupugazh in praise of this Moorthi.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Prayers
People pray to Lord for wedding, child boon and for excellence in education. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.
Architecture
Legend / Local stories
Rama disagreeing Sugriva Proposal:
The sea route to Lanka is short from this place. Sugriva planned to build a bridge from here to Lanka to help Rama to cross the sea. But Lord Sri Rama disagreed with the proposal as Kodiakkarai is behind Lanka and that would not be right or graceful to attack Ravana from behind and proceeded to Dhanushkodi being opposite to the front entrance of the island. He worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Lanka. Remembering this event, the foot prints of Rama is carved here. Lord Shiva in the temple is also praised as Amirtha Kadeswarar.
Lord Shiva directing Rama to build Bridge in Rameshwaram:
Rama is said to have sighted Sri Lanka from here, and what is believed to be his footprint is preserved nearby. It is believed that Rama attempted to build a bridge to Sri Lanka from here, and was directed by Shiva to proceed to Rameswaram. It is considered sacred to bathe in the sea here during the Uttarayana and Dakshinayana transition. Local belief has it that this shrine is inhabited by Siddhas.
Murugan with Amirtha Kalasam:
When Devas and Asuras churned Thiruppaarkadal for Nectar, many things came out of Ocean and finally they got the Nectar. Vayu Bhagavan was carrying the Nectar pot, Asuras created wind storm. Pot tilted and nectar fell down which formed as Siva Lingam and some Nectar was collected in a pot by Lord Subramanyar. Here we see Subramanyar with Amirta Kalasam. Hence Shiva is called Amritaghateswarar and Theertham as Amrita Theertham.
People worshipped Shiva here:
Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Naradhar, Indiran, Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar and Kuzhka Munivar worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
Kodaikadu is 9 km far from Vedaranyam on the Kodiakarai route. Vehicles are checked by police for security reasons and allowed to proceed after noting the vehicle registration number. Bus facility is also available.
Contact Details
Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Koil-Amudha Kadeswarar Koil,
Kodiakadu-614 821, Nagapattinam District
Phone: +91 – 4369 272 470