Thirukkadaiyur, Chidambaram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thirukkadaiyur

At a distance of 23 Km from Karaikal, 23 Km from Mayiladuthurai, 44 Km from Chidambaram and 57 Km from Kumbakonam, Thirukkadaiyur is a popular temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in the Mayiladuthurai district. The town is primarily known for the Sri Amritaghateswarar - Abirami Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and holds the distinction of being the 47th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. Within this temple, Lord Shiva is revered as Mrityunjaya, the Conqueror of Death. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu.

History of Thirukkadaiyur

Thirukkadaiyur Temple was established by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century CE. Inscriptions found at the site suggest that the main sanctum existed prior to the early 11th century but was subsequently damaged by the sea. During the reign of Kulottunga Chola I, the original brick walls of the temple were replaced with stone walls, and a front mandapa was added. Numerous inscriptions from the Medieval Chola period within the temple document the donations made by various rulers. The temple is currently managed and overseen by the Dharmapuram Adheenam.

Mythology of Thirukkadaiyur

Thirukkadaiyur derives its name from the Tamil word 'Gatam,' meaning pot. In the mythological narrative, Lord Vishnu, Indra, and the other Devas sought a remarkable location to consume Amrita, the nectar that churned during the Samudra Manthan. They brought the pot of Amrita to this site. However, in their eagerness, they neglected to offer their respects to Ganesha, who must be honored before embarking on any significant endeavor. Feeling offended by this oversight, Ganesha took the pot of Amrita and concealed it in Thirukkadaiyur. Subsequently, Ganesha created a Shiva Lingam and poured some of the Amrita over it, leading to the deity being referred to as Amrita Ghat Eshwarar, which translates to 'Lord who grants immortality.' Additionally, it is believed that Abirami manifested in this location through the divine will of Lord Vishnu.

Thirukadaiyur is also renowned as the site where Lord Shiva granted immortality to Markandeya, bestowing upon him the eternal boon of remaining forever at the age of sixteen after vanquishing the God of Death, Yama, thereby preserving the life of his devotee. Subsequently, the Lord granted Yama forgiveness for the sake of Goddess Bhudevi. Due to his act of slaying Yama in defense of his devotee, he is revered as Lord Mrithunjayamoorthi. Given that the presiding deity is the conqueror of Death, specific ceremonial rites are associated with this, including Ugraratha shanti, which is performed by individuals celebrating their 60th birthday, Shashtiaptapoorthi at the commencement of their 61st year, and Bheemaratha shanti in honor of their 70th birthday.

Things to do in Thiruvarur

Thirukkadaiyur is primarily known for the Sri Amrithaghateswarar Temple, which spans 11 acres and showcases the traditional Chola architectural style. The temple features five enclosures, towering structures, and expansive mandapas. The main deity worshipped here is Sri Amirthalingeswara, accompanied by his consort, Sri Abirami Amman. Thirukkadaiyur is recognized as one of the eight Veera Sthalas, where a confrontation occurred between Yama and Lord Shiva. It is believed that this location is where Lord Shiva safeguarded Markandeya, the son of Mrikandu, from Yama. A mark left by Yama's rope is said to be visible on the Linga during the abisheka rituals.

Additionally, there is a distinct shrine dedicated to Goddess Abirami. According to tradition, a devotee named Abirami Battar meditated at this temple during the rule of Tanjore Maratha King Serfoji. He composed 100 hymns in honor of the goddess, who intervened on his behalf to save him from the king's wrath. The temple also features a separate shrine for Markandeya, a revered devotee of Lord Shiva. Within the temple grounds, there are three sacred water tanks: Kaala Theertham, Maarkandeya Theertham, and Amrita Pushkarini.

Festivals of Thirukkadaiyur Temple

The Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple, also referred to as the Amritaghateswarar Abirami Temple, hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. The most prominent of these is the 18-day Yama Samharam Festival, which occurs during the Chithirai month (April-May). On the sixth day of this festival, the tradition commemorates the deities vanquishing Yama and bestowing eternal youth upon Markandaya. Additionally, the temple observes other important festivals, including Navaratri, Shivratri, and Aadi Pooram.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thirukkadaiyur

When planning a visit to the Amirthakadeswarar Temple or Amirtaghateshwarar Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Thirukkadaiyur Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Thirukkadaiyur Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Thirukkadaiyur

The optimal period to explore Thirukadaiyur, particularly for a pleasant and enjoyable experience, is during the winter months from November to February. During this time, the weather is cool, making it perfect for sightseeing and visiting temples. This season also coincides with vibrant festivals such as Masi Magam and Maha Shivaratri, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Amirthakadeswarar Temple. In contrast, the summer months bring extreme heat, with temperatures often surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the period from June to September is marked by heavy rainfall, making it an unfavorable time for travel to Thirukkadaiyur.

How to Reach Thirukkadaiyur

The Pondicherry Airport is the nearest airport to Thirukkadaiyur which is about 114 Km way. About 23 Km, Mayiladuthurai is the nearest rail head to Thirukkadaiyur which has well train connectivity with cities like Pondicherry, Chennai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Trichy, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. Buses, and cars will be there to reach here from these places. Thirukadaiyur is connected by buses from Mayiladuthurai, Chidambaram, Porayar, Karaikal, and Nagapattinam.