| Description:
. This Shivastalam lies on the banks of the river Vaigai and is closely associated with
Tirugnanasambandar. Sambandar's patikam on a palm leaf (Edu) is said to have gone against
the current of Vaigai and settled here, as opposed to the leaf floated by the once
dominant Jains here, hence the name Tiruvedakam. The Tiruppukazh has also mentioned this
shrine. This shrine is regarded as the 4th of the Tevara
Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu. The Temple: The present structure with spacious corridors and
imposing gopurams occupies an area of about 5 acres. Shiva here is believed to have been
worshipped by Garuda, Adiseshan and Vishnu. 'Vaaduvenra Vinaayakar' here is said to have
stopped the movement of the palm leaf in the guise of a fish, in response to
Sambandar's patikam. .Images related to Sambandars episode are seen carved on the stone
steps leading to the Vaikai river. Inscriptions from the period of Jatavarman Kulasekhara
Pandyan (12th cent AD), and Krishna Deva Raya are seen in this temple, speaking of their
endowments to this shrine.
Festivals: Sambandar's miracle here is celebrated in the form of the
'Edu Ethireriya Utsavam' in the month of Vaikasi.Other festivals include Vinayaka
Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam,
Arudra Darisanam, Tai Poosam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram and Vaikasi
Visakam. |
