Vedagiriswarar Swamy Temple or Thirukazhukundram is popularly known as Kazhugu Koil (Eagle temple) is located in Tirukazhukundram, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu state. Lord Shiva is a Swayambhu in the temple. Here Nandhi is absent in this temple. Devotees have to climb 565 steps to reach the hill temple. Kazhugu means eagle in Tamil and kundram means hill, hence the place is known as Tiru Kazhu Kundram. Even today, two eagles visit the temple every day to accept the rice offered to them.
Tirukalukundram Vedagiriswarar Swamy Temple consists of two structures, one at the foot of the hill and the other at the top of the hill. The main attraction, the large temple on top of a hill, houses the deity of Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foot of the hills is dedicated to his wife Goddess Parvati, known as Thiripurasundari Amman. The temple at the foot of the hills has four gopurams which closely resemble the architecture of the Arunachaleswarar Temple. The four Hills here represent the Four Vedas. This Lord has been worshipped by Indra, Thilothamai, a dancer of Indra’s court. Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Ashtavasus and many more Rudras.
Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Manicka Vasagar had sung the glory of Lord of the temple in their Thevaram and Tiruvasagam hymns. This is the 28th Shiva temple in the Thondainadu region praised in hymns.
Pushpakara Mela as great as the Kumbh Mela in the north is celebrated here once every 12 years with a lakh of deepas on the day of Jupiter’s transition to the sign of Virgo. A conch is born in Theertha once every 12 years. This miracle is happening even now. It is noteworthy that the temple reservoir contains herbal properties. Devotees believe taking a bath in this Theertha will cure mental retardation is completely healed.
Photography and Video Cameras are permitted inside the temple compound, not in the main sanction with a nominal fee.
Tirukalukundram Sri Vedagiriswarar Swamy Temple Timings:
Morning: 9.00 AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 4.30 PM to 7.15 PM
Tirukazhukundram Temple Pooja Timings:
Kaala Shanthi Pooja 8.00 am
Uchchi Kaala Pooja 11.30 am
Sayaraitchai Pooja 5.30 pm
Arthajama Pooja 8.00 pm
Note: Pooja Timings may be changed during Festivals, Special Abhishekam & Special Aaradhanas performed on these days.
Tirukalukundram Temple History:
Two sages Poosha and Vruddha performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking Sharoopa status. Lord modified their demand and granted the Sayujya status and promised elevation to Sharoopa later. The sages refused to accept the offer and were adamant about their demand. Angry Lord cursed them to become eagles.
Since then they are on this hill known as Shambu and Aadhi and are worshipping Lord with the Pakshi Theertha they had created. It is believed that these eagles use to bathe in Rameswaram, eat-in Kazhukundram and stay at Kasi each day. The feeding of the eagles is going on for thousands of years, it is believed. King Suraguru, to whom Lord granted darshan was instrumental for the creation of this sacred place, says the history.
Tirukalukundram Vedagiriswarar Temple Festivals:
10 Days Chithirai Festival: April-May
Aadi Pooram 10 Days Festival: July-August
Full Moon Days
New Moon Days
Pradosha Days
Girivalam – Popular Festival (After Thiruvannamalai on Full Moon Days)
English & Tamil New Years
Diwali
Pongal
How To Reach Vedagiriswarar Temple
By Air:
Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport which is 52.7 km.
By Rail:
Chengalpattu Railway Station is 11 km from Thirukazhukundram temple.
By Road:
Thirukazhukundram is well connected with major cities. Chennai is the nearest metropolitan city from here one can easily reach the temple by Government Bus or by Taxi.
Sri Vedagiriswarar Swamy Temple Address:
Adivaram Street,
Tirukazhukundram,
Chengalpattu District,
Tamil Nadu – 603109.