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This week, we feature the temple famous
for the legend of Markandeya
as well as Abirami Andadhi - the
abode of Lord Shiva at Thirukkadavoor.
Location: Thirukkadavoor near Mayiladuthurai
Deity: Amritaghateshwarar
Goddess: Abhirami
Vriksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Amrita Pushkarini
 Thirukkadavoor, near Mayiladuthurai is
a famous Shiva sthalam, well known for the
lingam, the goddess, the teertham, and every year, devotees flock to this temple by the thousands. The main deity Shiva is known as Amritaghateshwarar and the goddess is
Abhirami. It is here that Abirama Bhattar composed his famous
'Abhirami Andadhi'.
The temple here is very big with five 'prakarams', towers and mandapams. This abode of Shiva is hailed as one of the eight Veeratta Sthalams, where Shiva is celebrated as the destroyer of evil forces. The temple covers an area of about eleven acres. The main Rajagopuram in the entrance is huge and has intricate stucco images depicting the stalapuranam. The main tank of the temple is known as "Amrita Pushkarini". Other theerthams are Kaala Theertham and Maarkandeya Theertham and all three are located in the temple.
The Shiva lingam here is said to be a manifestation of the celestial nectar, Divya Amirtham, which the Devas obtained when they churned the Heavenly Ocean, Paarkadal. Thus, the name Amritaghateshwarar. Abhishekham with the conch, Shankha abhishekham, is very important here as it is said that Markandeya himself performed this form of worship. The mandapam associated with this is aptly called the Shankhu mandapam.
As this was the place where Lord
Shiva vanquished Death himself and Markandeya
was granted with an eternal life, married couples throng this temple
to be blessed with a long live together. The 60th birthday ceremony,
Sashti abdha poorthi, is celebrated with great pomp and splendour
and thousands of devotees come here to take part in the ceremony and
get the Lord's blessings.
Festivals
Each day, six worship services are offered to the Lord here. The water required for the daily rituals is brought from the Kaasi Theertham at the
Thirukkadavoor Mayaanam temple nearby. There is a celebration here almost everyday, with hundreds of devotees gathering here to celebrate their 60th or 80th (Sadhabhishekam) birthdays.
The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Chitthirai. The Shankh abishekam in the month of Kartikai is of great importance here.
Navaratri and Aadi Pooram are also celebrated
here. |
