Amritaghateswarar–Abirami Temple, Thirukkadaiyur
Also known as: அமிர்தகடேஸ்வரர் அபிராமி கோயில் (திருக்கடையூர்) · అమృతఘటేశ్వర అభిరామి ఆలయం, తిరుక్కడయూర్ · अमृतघटेश्वर अभिरामी मंदिर, तिरुक्कडयूर
Tamil Nadu Shiva
The temple of Markandeya's story, where Shiva defeated Yama. Couples come here for the 60th and 80th birthday rites of the husband.
- Deity
- Amirthagateswarar (Shiva as Kalantaka), Abirami (Parvati), Amrithanarayana (Vishnu), Amrithavalli (Lakshmi)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Thirukkadaiyur, Mayiladuthurai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Amrita Pushkarini, Kaala Theertham and Maarkandeya Theertham
- Era
- Present stone structure from the 9th century. Inscriptions show the temple existed by the 10th–11th century. Kulothunga Chola I (1075–1120) replaced brick walls with stone.
Sthala Puranam
The sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati prayed for a child. Shiva offered a choice, and they chose a gifted son who would live only sixteen years.
Markandeya worshipped the Shiva lingam here. When Yama came to take his soul, Markandeya held on to the lingam. Shiva kicked Yama and held him under his foot, and was known here as Kala-samhara.
Shiva later freed Yama at the request of Bhumi Devi. The raised forefinger of the Shiva image is said to warn Yama not to harm those who worship Shiva.
Speciality
- Couples worship here for the long life of the husband. The 60th-birthday rite (Sashtiabdapoorthi) and the 80th-birthday rite (Sadhabishekam) are done here.
- Abirami Bhattar, a devotee of the goddess, is said to have composed the Abirami Antati, 100 verses in praise of Abirami, here.
- An old Vishnu shrine (Amrithanarayana) is inside the Shaiva temple.
Festivals
- Brahmotsavam in Chithirai
- Shankha-abhisheka in Kartikai
- Navaratri
- Aadi Pooram
- Abirami Bhattar celebration on the Thai new moon
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Book priests and the rite in advance for 60th and 80th birthday functions. Weekends are busy.
Prayers for this temple
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