Idayar

Padal Petra Sthalam, Villupuram District

God

Marundeesar, Idayatrunadar, facing west

Goddess

Gnanambigai, Sitridai Nayagi, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Agastya, Agastheeswarar, Sukamunivar, Durga, Balamruda Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara, Saptamadar, Navagraha

Idayar temple is called Thirumarudhanthurai and has a small 3 tier gopuram at the eastern entrance. This is the birth place of Maraignanasambandar.

Holy water (Theertham) – Sitridai Theertham (Well)

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

History

Stone inscriptions dating back to Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar periods have been discovered here at Idayar. As per one stone inscription Idayar temple was destroyed in 1471 by a king from Orissa and rebuilt by the representative of Saluva Narasimhan 10 years later. Sundarar (9th Century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns here.

Legend

Sukamunivar, Brahma and Agasthya are believed to have prayed to the lord here at Idayar.

Directions

Idayar is 16 kilometers southeast of Thirukoviloor on the Panruti, Cuddalore Road. Drive on towards Panruti to see Thiruvennainallur and Thirumundeeswaram (Gramam village), both also Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thirukoviloor or Panruti

Padal Petra Sthalams