Velvidai Nathar temple, Tiru-kuru-kaavur

Location: Tiru-kuru-kaavur (now known as Tiru-kadavur)

Deity known as: Velvidai Nathar, Swetha Rishabaeswarar

Female Deity: Neelodhbhava Visalakshi, Kaviamkanniammai

Pathikam: Sambanadar - 1, Sundarar - 1

Gallery – Velvidai Nathar Temple, Tiru-kuru-kaavur

Entrance

The sacred well

Pair of Nandi, Balipeetam facing both deities

How to Reach

This Shiva temple is located about 1 km from the village of Vadakal, situated along the Sirkazhi–Tirumullaivayil route. Regular bus services operate from Sirkazhi to Vadakal, and from the Vadakal bus stop, the temple can be reached with a short 1 km walk.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Velvidai Nathar Temple
Tirukkadavur
Vadakaal Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609115

Nearby Temples

1	Then Tirumullaivaayil - 8 kms
2	Sirkazhi - 5.3 kms

Location Map

Temple Layout

Entrance & Prakaram

The nomenclature of this Paadal Petra Shivasthalam can be traced back to the period of the Thevara pathikams. During that time, the shrine was known both by the name of the locality, Kurukaavur, and by the temple’s own name, Velladai. Over the centuries, the place gradually came to be more widely recognized as Tiru-Kadaavur. Architecturally, the temple is modest in appearance, lacking a towering gopuram, yet it features a single, well-defined prakaram. Devotees enter the temple complex through a simple and unassuming eastern gateway, which leads directly into its serene inner precincts.

Presiding Deity

At the heart of the temple resides the swayambhu linga, the self-manifested form of the presiding deity, Velvidai Nathar. This revered lingam is upon a square Avudayar (altar), with a relatively small Banam, and is oriented towards the east, radiating spiritual grace. Alongside the main deity is His divine consort, Kaviyankanni Ammai, enshrined in a separate sannidhi that faces south. The temple complex also features the Goshta Murthas, including Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma, and the fierce Goddess Durga, each embodying profound aspects of Shiva’s cosmic presence.

Other Sannidhis

Reflecting the harmonious tradition of worshipping both Shiva and Vishnu, as seen in many ancient Shiva temples, this temple also features a dedicated sannidhi for Kariya Maanikka Perumal. The circumambulatory path around the sanctum reveals a rich assembly of deities and sannidhis, including the foremost four Nayanmars, the cosmic dancer Nataraja, Kasi Viswanathar with His consort Visalakshi, Sanaischaran, Maavadi Vinayaka, Shiva-loka-Nathar, Bhairavar, the radiant Sun God Surya, Mari Amman, and Sri Aiyanar—together creating a spiritually vibrant and inclusive temple atmosphere.

Notably, the temple also houses a unique sannidhi dedicated to Muruga, distinguished by its rare southward orientation rather than the customary east-facing direction. This unusual alignment is believed to embody Muruga in the role of a spiritual preceptor or ‘Guru’, guiding devotees on the path of wisdom. Owing to this significance, special poojas are performed on Thursdays, a day traditionally associated with Guru worship.

Sthala Purana

Sundarar & the Divine Feast

After a long and arduous journey, the nayanmar Sundarar arrived at this temple, exhausted and parched, accompanied by his devoted entourage. Weary from travel and in dire need of food and rest, they found themselves in distress. At that moment, Shiva, moved by compassion, appeared in the guise of an Andhanan (a Brahmin) and graciously arranged a wholesome meal and water for the pilgrims. With deep gratitude, Sundarar partook of the nourishing food, his hunger and thirst fully appeased, and soon drifted into a restful sleep. However, upon awakening, he was astonished to find that the entire divine arrangement—along with the mysterious Andhanan who had so kindly served them—had vanished without a trace, revealing the God’s subtle and miraculous grace.

It was then that the truth dawned upon Sundarar—that Shiva Himself had manifested to care for their needs. Overwhelmed with gratitude and divine wonder, Sundarar proceeded to the temple and sang a pathikam extolling the deity’s boundless compassion and grace. This event is commemorated every year on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chitrai, celebrated as Chitra Pournami. Devotees believe that worshipping the deity on this auspicious day and seeking His blessings can protect them from the suffering of hunger and ensure abundance in food and sustenance.

Tirugyanasambandhar & the Sacred Well

In his tireless efforts to uphold and propagate Shaivism, Tirugnanasambandar engaged in a celebrated debate at Madurai against the Jains, known as Samanars. Though he emerged victorious, the fate that befell the defeated ascetics weighed deeply on his compassionate heart. Seeking atonement, he resolved to undertake a pilgrimage to Varanasi to bathe in the sacred Ganges. When he reached Sirkazhi, he offered earnest prayers for divine guidance. In response, Shiva bestowed a wondrous miracle—eliminating the need for the long and arduous journey. The holy waters of the Ganges are believed to have miraculously sprung forth from a well within the Velladai temple itself, sanctifying the site as equal in merit to Varanasi.

To this day, devotees throng the Velladai temple on the new moon day of the Tamil month of Thai to partake in the sacred ritual bath in this holy well. Revered for its divine origin, the well is situated outside the temple complex within enclosed boundary walls and is opened only on this auspicious occasion, remaining sealed on all other days. The temple also celebrates the festival of Thai Poosam with great fervour, drawing large numbers of devotees to witness and participate in the grand festivities. One pathikam on Tiru-kuru-kaavur was composed by Tirugnanasambandar and one by Sundarar, both found in the Tevaram.