Thyagaraja Temple (Vadivudai Amman), Thiruvottiyur

Sthala Puranam

The asuras Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedas and hid them at the bottom of the sea. Vishnu could not beat them alone. He prayed to Shiva and Parvati and took the form of a fish to search for the Vedas.

The recovered Vedas were brought to the temple's deity to be reunited and purified. The magizham tree, the gods' wishing tree, became the temple's sacred tree.

Speciality

• A Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the Tevaram. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
• Vadivudai Amman is the third goddess of the Shakti triad of Tondaimandalam.
• The main deity is a mud mound, covered with armour. The armour is removed on the Karthigai full moon.
• Originally Pallava, extended by the Cholas, notably Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century.

Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)

Magizham (Mimusops elengi, Spanish cherry)

Festivals

• Maasi Brahmotsavam (the prime festival)
• Vasantha Utsavam
• Shivarathiri
• Thai Poosam
• Navarathiri
• Skandashashti
• Aadi Pooram
• Arudhra Darshan
• Vattaparaiamman Utsavam
• Pournami days

How to reach

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.
• The mud lingam is seen with armour for most of the year. The full view is only on the Karthigai full moon.

Prayers for this temple

• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Shiva Gayatri (Rudra)
• Devi Suktam