Kadambavaneswarar temple, Tirukadambanthurai
Location: Tirukadambanthurai
Deity known as: Kadambavana Natheswarar
Female Deity: Mutrilamulaiyammai
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1
Gallery - Tiru-Kadambanthurai Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple near Kulithalai is located about 42 kilometers from Karur and 34 kilometers from Tiruchirapalli. Kulithalai lies on the Karur–Tiruchirapalli section of the Southern Railway, making the temple easily accessible by both train and bus.
Sacred Pilgrimage Tradition
The three Shiva temples located near Kulithalai are held in great reverence. According to tradition, it is considered highly auspicious to visit and worship at all three temples on the same day—during the morning, afternoon, and evening respectively. Of these, the northernmost temple, Tiru-Eengoi-Malai, is situated on the northern bank of the Cauvery River, while Tiruvatpokki and Tirukadambanthurai lie on the southern bank. The prescribed order of worship begins with Tirukadambanthurai in the morning, followed by the other two temples.
Temple Address
Kulithalai
Kulithalai Post
Karur District
Tamil Nadu - 639104
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Temple Hours - Dhanur Masa
Morning: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Eengoi-Malai - 6 kms | |
| 2 | Tiruvatpokki - 9.3 kms | |
| 3 | Tirupparaithurai - 18 kms |
Temple Architecture & Structure
Unique Northward Orientation
The Kadambavaneswarar Temple, situated on the bank of the Cauvery River, stands as a unique and remarkable testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Unlike most Shiva temples, which traditionally face east or west, this temple is oriented towards the north, reflecting the alignment of the revered Kasi Vishwanath Temple on the banks of the holy Ganges. This rare north-facing orientation distinguishes it as the only Shiva temple along the Cauvery to embrace this northerly direction.
Temple Structure
The temple’s architectural grandeur is evident from the moment one approaches it, with a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram soaring skyward, flanked by an expansive 16-foot-wide mandapam that serves as a grand entrance. Passing through the intricately adorned gopuram gateway, devotees enter a long, welcoming mandapam that houses the temple’s flagstaff (Dwajasthambam), bali peetam, and the revered Nandi.
Main Deity
Within the sanctum, behind the Linga of the presiding deity, Kadambavaneswarar, are the stone images of the Saptha Kanyas—the seven celestial maidens. It is believed that it was at this place that the Brahmahatti dosha afflicting these seven maidens was absolved.
Goddess Sanctum
Within the outer courtyard, in the north-west corner, is the sannidhi dedicated to Goddess Mutrila Mulaiammai, facing eastward.
Inner Prakaram
The inner prakaram of the temple complex is a treasure trove of sacred sannidhis dedicated to Vinayaka, Subramanya, Navagraha, Jeshta Devi, and the principal four Nayanmars, along with both stationary and procession idols of all sixty-three Nayanmars. Kasi Viswanath and Goddess Gajalakshmi are also enshrined in their own dedicated spaces within the prakaram. Enhancing the spiritual splendor of the prakaram are two striking Somaskandha images, depicting Shiva with Parvati and their son Skanda. Additionally, two captivating Nataraja idols grace the complex, with one depicting the demon Muyalaka crushed beneath the Lord’s feet—symbolizing the triumph of good over evil—while the other presents Nataraja without this representation.”
Historical Significance
Divine Worship
It is believed that the presiding deity manifested before Sage Kannuva beneath the Kadamba tree, granting him a divine vision. Sage Kannuva, along with the celestial gods, worshipped and venerated the deity here, seeking divine grace and enlightenment. The temple’s history further records the worship of the deity by Brahma, Mahavishnu, Muruga, the Saptha Kanyas, and Sage Agasthya. Each of these divine beings and enlightened sages is believed to have experienced the boundless grace and benevolence of the presiding deity at this sacred abode, thereby enhancing the profound spiritual potency of this ancient temple complex.
The sacred Kadamba tree stands as a silent witness to the divine play unfolding within the temple precincts. The Cauvery river is the associated sacred water body, adding to the spiritual aura of the site.
Sthala Purana
The Legend of Sapta Kanya
The legend of the Sapta Kanya and their battle against the demon Dhumralochana is a captivating tale that illustrates the complex interplay between divine beings, demons, and sages.
According to the story, when the gods were suffering under the tyranny of Dhumralochana, they beseeched the goddess Parvathy to intervene on their behalf. In response, Parvathy manifested in her fierce form as Durga and engaged the demon in combat. However, due to a powerful boon that Dhumralochana had received, he was able to fight Durga on equal footing, gradually sapping her strength.
Recognizing her predicament, Durga summoned the Sapta Kanya, a group of seven celestial maidens, to aid her in the battle. The combined might of the Sapta Kanya proved too much for Dhumralochana, forcing him to flee into the forest and seek refuge in the ashram of Karthiyayana Maharishi.
The Sapta Kanya pursued the demon into the ashram, where they mistakenly identified the meditating sage as Dhumralochana in disguise. In a tragic case of misidentification, the Sapta Kanya slew the innocent sage, inadvertently committing the grave sin of Brahmahatti, the killing of a Brahmin.
Realizing their error and the gravity of their actions, the Sapta Kanya prayed to Goddess Parvathy for forgiveness and the removal of the curse that now afflicted them. Goddess directed the Sapta Kanya to this particular temple to offer their prayers to God Shiva and seek redemption.
Appearing before the penitent maidens under the Kadamba tree, God Shiva lifted the curse from the Sapta Kanya. However, the Sapta Kanya, now wary of the potential consequences of engaging Dhumralochana directly, implored God Shiva to vanquish the demon and ensure their protection. Acceding to their request, God Shiva destroyed Dhumralochana, bringing an end to his reign of terror and securing the safety of the Sapta Kanya.
Tirupugazh - Muruga Shrine
The revered Tamil saint poet Arunagirinathar, in his Tirupugazh, has composed one song extolling the glory of Lord Muruga enshrined at the ancient temple in Kadambanthurai. This iconic representation of Muruga portrays him in his magnificent form with six divine faces and twelve mighty arms. Muruga stands majestically facing the eastern direction, flanked by his two consorts—Valli and Deivanai. Interestingly, the 'Urchava' idol, which is taken out in procession during festivals, presents a contrasting facet of Muruga. In this manifestation, he is depicted with a single serene face, seated gracefully upon his vahana, the resplendent peacock.
More Gallery - Tirukadambanthurai Temple
