Vedagiriswarar Temple, Thirukazhukundram
Also known as: வேதகிரீஸ்வரர் கோயில் (திருக்கழுக்குன்றம்) · వేదగిరీశ్వర ఆలయం, తిరుక్కళుక్కుండ్రం · वेदगिरीश्वर मंदिर, तिरुक्कळुक्कुंड्रम
Tamil Nadu Shiva
The 'eagle temple' on a hill near Mahabalipuram, where vultures are said to come for the noon offering.
- Deity
- Vedagiriswarar (Shiva), Thiripurasundari Amman (Parvati)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Thirukazhukundram, Chengalpattu
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Sangu Theertham (conch tank)
- Era
- The source does not say who built the main temple or when.
Sthala Puranam
The vultures (called 'eagles') are said to be eight sages punished by Shiva, with two leaving in each of a series of epochs.
Speciality
- Popularly called 'kazhugu koil' (eagle temple). Egyptian vultures are believed to have come for centuries. Priests feed them offerings before noon.
- Sangu Theertham, a conch-shaped tank, is linked with the temple.
- The Orukal Mandapa, a rock-cut Pallava cave about 50 steps below, is dated to 610–640 CE.
How to reach
By airChennai Airport, about 70 km.
By trainChengalpattu Junction, about 15 km.
By roadNear Mahabalipuram, on the road from Chengalpattu. Buses run from Chengalpattu and Mahabalipuram.
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.
- The vultures come around noon. They are not always present, so do not count on seeing them.
- The hill climb has many steps. Carry water.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.