Thirukarkudi

Padal Petra Sthalams, Tiruchirapalli District

God

Ujjevanadaswamy (also Uchinadhar, Karpaganadar, Muktheeswarar), facing west

Goddess

Anjanatchi (also Maivizhiyammai), facing west

Other Deities

Balambigai, Vinayagar, Muruga with consorts, Naalvar, Gajalakshmi, Jeshtalakshmi, Bhairava, Surya, Saneeswara, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durga, Ardhanareeswara, Nataraja, Pitchadanar, Chandrasekharar, Somaskandar, Lingam worshiped by Karan

Thirukarkudi is a large temple on a small hillock and is called Uyyakondan Thirumalai. Karkudi means ‘shrine on a rocky hill’. A flight of steps leads up to the shrines. The west facing ancient goddess idol was slightly damaged and a new, but east facing, idol was installed by the name ‘Balambigai’ in recent times. Both idols can be seen now and are treated equally. A large temple tank is present in the southern side of the temple here at Thirukarkudi.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Ponnoli Odai, Gnanavavi, Enkona Theertham, Narkona Theertham, Uyyakondan River (also Sarpanadhi)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th-8th century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns here at Thirukarkudi. Thirukarkudi temple was built by Nandivarma Pallava. Stone inscriptions refer to this temple as Nandivarma Mangalam and Rajasraya Chaturvedi Mangalam. The lord is referred to as Uyyakonda Naadar. The Thirukarkudi temple had been under attack from the French, British and the Mysore armies during the Karnataka War of 18th Century CE.

Legend

Narada, Karan, Sage Upamanyu, Markandeya, and Arunagirinadar are said to have worshiped here at Thirukarkudi.

Directions

Thirukarkudi is about 5 kilometers from the rock fort area on the Vayalur, Thogamalai road.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops available locally. Thiruchirapalli has some excellent hotels and restaurants catering to all budgets and levels.

Padal Petra Sthalams