Location:- Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu.
Diety:- Vanmeega Nathar (Shiva) (moolavar) ,Veethividangar (Shiva) (Utsavar)
This temple is notable for having a Nitya Pradosham custom, in which Pradosham is celebrated every day rather than once every two weeks. This is one of India’s very magnificent antique temples.
Three of the renowned poet-saints, the Nayanmars (Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar), had visited the Thevaram collection and sung several songs. The temple was vast, opulent, and had long traditions even at Appar’s time (early-mid 600s CE). Unfortunately, the HR&CE’s Thuqlaq-style renovations, restorations, and “improvements” are slowly but steadily destroying the temple. Going in and out of the temple is now a punishment since it is littered with so many rocks. Even still, the temple is a terrific experience.
Pradosham Meaning
Pradosham is an essential Hindu Saivite pooja ritual performed in all Shiva temples about 48 minutes before sunset on the ‘Thiriyodasi tithi’ (thirteenth lunar (moon) day of the waxing and waning moon phases). The 48-minute period between sunset and sunrise i.e, 24 minutes before sunset and 24 minutes after sunset is known as ‘Sandhya kalam,’ and it is also known as ‘Asura Velai’ (Demons timings). We will not be advised to drink or eat anything by saints or yogis. During this time, Lord Narasimha also assassinated King Hiranya. They recommend that we light a lamp and chant mantras, slokas, and give prayers instead. It is a fortunate moment to practice yoga.
Pradosham worship tries to free you of your horoscope’s major doshas (malefic aspects). There is no one who is free of doshas. You will have at least a few doshas, such as difficulties in marriage, a lack of children, indebtedness, and so on. Your Pradosham worship will provide the most desired relief from doshas, regardless of the kind or amount. Lord Shiva would bestow grace on His devotees and correct all flaws or misdeeds.
The temple’s origin tale
To the Vitanka, the Chaaya Raksha Pooja is performed. According to purana, the powerful King Muchukunta aided Indra in his victories over the Asuras. Indra, pleased with the assistance, inquired of the King what he want. Indra was asked by the King to hand over his crystal Vitanka to him. Indra was taken aback by this request and refused to part with his favorite Linga, so he invited Muchukunta to return the next day. Meanwhile, he requested that Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, create six Vitanka Lingas that were identical. The next day, Indra told Muchukunta that if he could identify the original Vitanka, he may have it.
Muchukunta, taken aback by the turn of events, sought a day to reflect. Muchukunta, bereft of hope as a result of the deception, pleaded to Shiva for assistance. In the middle of the night, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to place flowers in each Vitanka for the night and seal them in silver caskets. By dawn, the flowers placed on the real Vitanka will not have faded.
Muchukunta used this approach and was able to figure out which one was correct. Indra was surprised that Muchukunta was able to select the correct one and requested him to explain how he did it. Muchukunta shared his dream. Ashamed of his actions, Indra gave Muchukunta all the 7 Vitankas. The original is at Thiruvarur, and six others, including Nagapattinam, have been installed elsewhere.
