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{{Short description|Shiva temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Vedapuriswarar Temple
| image = Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (8).jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| map_type = India Tamil Nadu
| map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu
| coordinates = {{coord|10|51|23|N|79|8|14|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| district = [[Thanjavur District|Thanjavur]]
| locale = [[Thiruvedhikudi]]
| deity = Vedapuriswarar<br>Vazhaimadunathar<br>([[Shiva]])
| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity=
| inscriptions =
| year_completed =
| creator =
| website =
}}

'''Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi''' or '''Vazhaimadunathar Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] temple dedicated to [[Shiva]] located in [[Thiruvedhikudi]] near [[Tiruvaiyaru]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the ''[[Tevaram]]'', written by Tamil poet saints known as the [[nayanars]] and classified as ''[[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]''. The temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples.

There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from [[Cholas]], [[Thanjavur Nayaks]] and [[Thanjavur Maratha kingdom]]. The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the [[Chola dynasty]] in the 9th century CE, while later expansions, including the towering [[gopuram]] gatehouses, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century.

The temple complex is one of the largest in the state and it houses four gateway towers known as ''[[gopurams]]''. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Vedapuriswarar and Mangayarkarasi being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls and three precincts; the most notable is the second precinct built during the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar period]] that has many sculptures. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from [[5:30]] a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The temple is maintained and administered by [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].

==Legend==
[[File:Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (12).jpg|250px|thumb|left|Image of the sanctum, the oldest shrine of the temple]]
God was emanating from banana tank and hence called Vazhaimadu nathar. [[Lingam]] here is called Vedapuriswarar.<ref>''Concise classified dictionary of Hinduism ''.P.70.Kodayanallur Vanamamalai Soundara Rajan.</ref> The Pranava manthra "OM" came here and worshiped Lord Shiva, where ever the Pranavam goes the Vedha will follow, hence Pranava manthra "OM" consider to be the peak in Vedhas, because all Vedhas worshiped the lord here, this place is called as Vedhikudi. This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Vethiar (priest) for Nandhi's Marriage. As per another legend, a Chola king was praying for his daughter's marriage for a long time. By the grace of Mangayarkarasi, the presiding deity of the temple, the king's daughter got married. He renamed her daughter Mangayarakarasi.<ref name=dinamalar/> As per another legend, ''Vedhi'' in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] means [[Brahma]]. Since Brahma worshiped Shiva in the place, it came to be known as Thiruvedhikudi.<ref name=Saiva4/>

==Architecture==
The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th-century-CE [[Tamil people|Tamil]] saint poets, [[Appar]] and [[Sambandar]]. The temple lies on Kudamurutti river on the Thiruvayyaru - Thanjavur road. The temple faces east and is entered via a three-tiered pyramidal ''raja[[gopuram]]'' (gateway tower). The presiding deity in the form of [[lingam]] is housed in the sanctum in square shape. The attached hall, the ''ardhamandapa'' measures the same width as the sanctum, while its length is twice the sanctum. The ''ardhamandapa'' projects towards the east. The ''Mukhamandapa'' has a square structure. The shrine of Mangayarkarasi faces south. The Mahamandapa houses the image of Vedha Vinagayar who is sported in a posture hearing the four Vedas from Shiva. Since Shiva is believed to have appeared from plantain tree, he is also called Vazhaimadunathar.<ref name=Saiva4>{{cite book|title=Saiva Encyclopaedia volume 4 - Thirumurai Thalangal|editor-last=Dr. R.|editor-first=Selvaganapathy|publisher=Saint Sekkizhaar Human Resource Development Charitable Trust|location=Chennai, India|year=2013|pages=425}}</ref> The temple is maintained and administered by [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=HRCE>{{cite web|title=Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu|url=https://tnhrce.gov.in/resources/docs/temple_list.pdf|publisher=Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu|pages=185|access-date=11 August 2020|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009010850/https://tnhrce.gov.in/resources/docs/temple_list.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Religious importance==
[[Campantar|Tirugnana Sambandar]], a 7th-century Tamil ''Saivite'' poet, venerated Vedhapureeswarar in two ''padigams'' in ''[[Tevaram]]'', compiled as the ''[[Tirumurai|Third Tirumurai]]''. [[Appar]], a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Vedhapureeswarar in two ''padigams'' in ''Tevaram'', compiled in the fourth Tirumurai.<ref name=Thevaram>{{cite web|title=Vedhikudi|publisher=Dharumapuram Adheenam|url=http://thevaaram.org/thirumurai_1/koil_view.php?koil_idField=271|date=25 April 2020}}</ref> As the temple is revered in ''Tevaram'', it is classified as ''[[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]'', one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. The temple is counted as the 52nd in the list of temples in the northern banks of Cauvery.<ref name="appar">{{cite web |url=http://projectmadurai.org/pm_etexts/pdf/pm0188.pdf|title=Tevaram Of Tirunavukkaracu Cuvamikal Tirumurai 5 part - 2 Poems(510-516)|access-date=2011-12-13 |last=Swamigal |first=Tirunavukkarasu |publisher=projectmadurai.org|pages=33–34}}</ref>

This one of the Saptha sthana Sthalam, this is Third in order. [[Brahma]] is said to have worshiped Lord Shiva at this Sthalam (place). Sun's rays fall on the Sivalingam at sunrise on 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni every year. It is believed that Sun god Sooriyan performs pooja during these 3 days to Lord Shiva at this sthalam. This place is a "Thirumana Thiruthalam". It is said to be that Thirugnanasampanthar had obtained the vision of Lord's marriage. Saint [[Campantar]], while worshiping the Lord of the temple, sang his ''pathigam'' (10 versus) hymn, viz "Neeruvari ada". This is one of the few hymns, where the Sambandar ends it on the note (''Aras aalwar Aaney namadhey''), meaning he swears upon the King of Kings. In the seventh verse, of this song, Saint Sambandar, mentions, the Lord's Mercy on all those aspiring for most auspicious wedding.

"கன்னியரோ டாடவர்கள் மாமணம் விரும்பிய அருமங்கலமிக மின்னியலும் நுண்ணிடை நன் மங்கையரி யற்றுபதி வேதிகுடியே"

Literal translation of the two lines would be:
"The whole-hearted wishes of girls and boys, be most auspiciously fulfilled. With Lightning speed, may one be blessed with a slim waist, good virtued bride."

The temple is counted as one of the temples built on the banks of [[River Kaveri]].<ref name=Ka>{{cite book|title=River cauvery the most battl(r)ed|last=Ka. Vi.|first=Kannan|page=31|publisher=Notion Press|year=2019|isbn=9781684666041|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CGFDwAAQBAJ&q=thiruvavaduthurai}}</ref>

[[File:Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (3).jpg|center|650px|thumb|Panorama of the temple]]

==Saptha Stanam==
{{main|Saptha Stana Temples}}
[[File:Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (14).jpg|250px|thumb|left|The decorated palanquin used during the festival]]

{| class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#ffffff; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em; width:275"
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC;text-align:center;" colspan="2"|[[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|left]] '''Sapthastanam''' [[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|right]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2" | The seven important temples in and around [[Thiruvaiyaru]]
|-
|style="text-align:center;background:#A8BDEC"|'''Temple'''||style="text-align:center;background:#A8BDEC"|'''Location'''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Aiyarappar temple]]||[[Thiruvaiyaru]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam|Apathsahayar Temple]] ||Thirupazhanam
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Odhanavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchotruturai|Odhanavaneswarar Temple]]||[[Tiruchotruturai]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | Vedapuriswarar Temple ||[[Thiruvedhikudi]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Kandeeswarar Temple]] ||[[Kandiyur|Thirukkandiyur]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Pushpavananathar Temple, Tiruppoonturutti|Puvananathar Temple]] ||Thirupanturuthi
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Neyyadiappar Temple, Tillaistanam|Neyyadiappar Temple]] ||[[Tillaistanam]]
|-
|}
The ''sapthasthanam'' festival is conducted at [[Tiruvaiyaru]] during April every year. As per Hindu legend, it is the wedding festival of [[Nandi (bull)|Nandikeswara]], the sacred bull of Shiva on the Punarpoosa star during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Panguni''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Madras District Gazetteers: Tiruchirappalli (pt. 1-2)|page=1601|publisher=Government Press|volume=10|issue=2|year=1999|editor-last=B. S. |editor-first=Baliga}}</ref> The festival deity of Aiyarappar temple of Thiruvaiyaru is carried in a decorated glass palanquin along with the images of Nandikeswara and Suyasayambikai to the temples in Thirupazhanam, Thiruchottruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukandiyur and Thirupoonthurthi. Each of the festival deities of the respective temples mounted in glass palanquins accompany Aiyarppar on the way to the final destiny, Thillaistanam. There is a grand display of fireworks in Cauvery riverbed outside Thillaistanam temple. The seven palanquins are carried to Aiyarappar temple in Thiruvaiyyaru. Hundreds of people witness the convergence of seven glass palanquins carrying principal deities of respective temples from seven places at Tiruvaiyaru. The devotees perform ''Poochorithal'' (flower festival) in which a doll offers flowers to the principal deities in the palanquins. After the ''Poochorithal'', the palanquins leave for their respective temples.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/sapthasthanam-festival-begins/article26904458.ece|title='Sapthasthanam' festival begins|date=21 April 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref><ref>[[#Venkataraman|Venkatraman]] 2019, p. 205</ref>

==Worship practices==
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|image1=Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (4).jpg
|height1=2322
|width1=4122
|image2=Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi (5).jpg
|height2=2322
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|footer=Shrines of the temple
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The temple priests perform the ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the [[Shaiva]] community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed five times a day; Ushathkalam at 6:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: ''[[abhisheka]]'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''[[Naivedhya|naivethanam]]'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for both Vedapureeswarar and Mangayarkarasi. The worship is held amidst music with ''[[nagaswaram]]'' (pipe instrument) and ''[[tavil]]'' (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the [[Vedas]] (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshipers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like ''{{lang|te-Latn|somavaram}}'' (Monday) and ''{{lang|te-Latn|sukravaram}}'' (Friday), fortnightly rituals like ''[[pradosha]]m'' and monthly festivals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''. Mahashivaratri during February - March is the major festivals celebrated in the temple. The major festival in the region and the temple is the Sapthastanam festival.<ref name="dinamalar">{{cite web|title=Sri Vedapureeswarar temple|publisher=Dinamalar|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/new.php?id=373|year=2019|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref>

==Idol Theft==
The idol of [[Nataraja]] belonging to the temple is believed to be stolen and smuggled abroad sometime after 1959, when it was last seen during a record-keeping exercise by the [[French Institute of Pondicherry]].<ref name="TH">{{cite news |title=Natarajar idol stolen from Thanjavur district temple 62 years ago traced to Asia Society Museum at New York |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/natarajar-idol-stolen-from-thanjavur-district-temple-62-years-ago-traced-to-asia-society-museum-at-new-york/article65852716.ece |access-date=4 August 2023 |work=The Hindu |agency= |date=5 September 2022}}</ref> The ''Idol Wing'' of the Tamil Nadu [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|Criminal Investigation Department]] (IW-CID) has traced it to the [[Asia_Society#Museum|Asia Society Museum, New York]] in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Shiva Nataraja)|url=https://museum.asiasociety.org/collection/highlights/1979-020-shiva-as-lord-of-the-dance-shiva-nataraja|year=c. 970|access-date=4 August 2023|publisher=Asia Society}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|3}}

==References==
* {{cite book|title=Temples of Forgotten Glory: A Wide Angle Exposition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ItClDwAAQBAJ&q=aiyarappar+temple&pg=PT172|page=182|first=Sekar|last=Venkatraman|isbn=9781645876250|publisher=Notion Press|year=2019|ref=Venkatraman}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruvedikudi}}
{{Hindu temples in Thanjavur District}}
{{Famous Shiva temples}}
{{Saptha Stana Temples}}
[[Category:Shiva temples in Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Padal Petra Stalam]]

Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi - Revision history

Annal Ambedkar Makkal Peravai: started a location initial version