Tiruvedikudi, the fourth among the Saptha Sthana temples of Tiruvaiyaru, is a sacred place where the Vedhas themselves performed penance to cleanse their impurities. According to legend, a demon once seized the Sacred Vedhas from Brahma and hid them deep under the ocean. Mahavishnu later retrieved them. However, because the Vedhas had fallen into the hands of the demon, they incurred a dosha (spiritual blemish). To rid themselves of this dosha, the Vedhas undertook penance here on God Shiva, who sanctified and purified them. Thus, the deity came to be known as Vedha Pureeswarar, and the place earned the name Vedha-Kudi — meaning the abode of the Vedhas. Even Brahma is said to have worshipped Vedha Pureeswarar here, seeking His grace for purifying the Sacred Vedhas.
The temple features a majestic three-tiered gopuram. In front of this tower lie the balipeetam and Nandi. The gateway leads into the mahamandapam, which houses the Nataraja Sabha. As devotees walk along the circumambulatory path, they can see the shrine of 'Sevi Saitha' Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who lent his ears) and encounter 108 Shiva Lingas. In the outer courtyard, to the right, is the sannidhi of the female deity Mangayarkarasi, which is preceded by a Vasantha Mandapam. The temple’s goshta murthis include Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Brahma, Durga, Vinayaka, Muruga, and Mahalakshmi. The temple also houses all the saptha sthana Lingas within its precincts. Remarkably, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Tamil month Panguni, the sun’s rays fall directly on the main Linga, symbolizing Surya’s worship of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Surya (the Sun god), Brahma, and Kubera have worshipped the presiding deity at Tiruvedhikudi and received blessings. This sacred site is also regarded as a ‘Tirumana Prarthana Sthalam,’ where devotees pray for auspicious marriages.
Worshipping Dakshinamurthy, revered by Brahma, is believed to enhance one's academic pursuits. This temple is significant as it honors all four Vedas, symbolized by the Vinayaka known as Veda Pillaiyar, who is depicted leaning in to listen to the sacred texts. Notably, the representation of Arthanariswara in this temple deviates from the traditional form; typically, Arthanariswara is positioned with Shiva on the right and the goddess on the left. However, in this instance, the goddess is on the right side, while Shiva occupies the left, presenting a unique interpretation of this divine figure.
Vedha Theertham is the holy water source linked to this temple, located just outside its premises. The temple's sacred tree, known as 'Sthala Vruksham,' is the Vilva, while the deity is also honored as 'Vazhai Madu' nathar.
It is believed that individuals experiencing challenges in finding a spouse can achieve positive outcomes by worshipping the deities at this temple. The pathigam, composed by Tirugyanasambandaar and found in the 3rd Tirumurai, emphasizes this site as one that alleviates marriage-related obstacles. Regular recitation of this pathigam, both in the morning and evening, is thought to ease difficulties in marriage, with devotees ultimately rewarded with a joyful union.
3 Tiered Gopuram
Outer Prakaram
Dakshinamurthy
Muruga with his consorts
Sthala Vruksham
Goddess Sannidhi
Nandi
Goddess Mangayarkarasi