Thiruvidaimarudur

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Mahalingeswarar (also Marudavaneswarar, Marudavaanar), facing east

Goddess

Bragath Sundaragujambigai (also Perunalamulaiammai), facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, 27 Star Lingams in seperate shrines, Mookambigai

Thiruvidaimarudur is a very large temple with 5 tier Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance and other entrances. Huge courtyards and mantapas are to be seen. There is a large temple tank outside the main entrance. There are 5 Prakarams – Aswamedha Prakaram, Kodimudi Prakaram, Pranavaprakaram, Ul Prakaram and another smaller Prakaram inside. The main deity is a large Lingam. There is a separate shrine for Mookambigai. This temple is called Idai (middle) Marudu. The other two temples are one near Ambasamudram – Kadai (lower) Marudu and one in Srisailam – Thalai (upper) Marudu. Thiruvidaimarudur temple is also called a Panch Linga Sthalam as there are four other Shiva temples in the surrounding street – Vishwanadar, Rishipureeswarar, Aathmanadar, Sokkanadar. There are also 4 Vinayaka temples in the 4 corners of the street where the temple car runs.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Karunya Amirdha Theertham, Cauvery

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Marudam (Terminalia arjuna)

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th – 9th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thiruvidaimarudur.

Legend

King Varaguna Pandian is said to have been relieved of a curse here. Parvati, Vinayaka, Muruga, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Kaali, Saraswathi, Vasishta, Sage Romasa, Airavat, Sage Agastya, Siva Vaakkiyar and Kabilar are believed to have prayed here at Thiruvidaimarudur.

Directions

Thiruvidaimarudur is in the Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai road.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops are available locally. Kumbakonam or Mayiladuthurai are the best options for food and stay.

Padal Petra Sthalams