 Description:
This Shivastalam, also known as Velladai is located close to Sirkali
enroute to Ten Tirumullaivayil.
Tirukkurukaavur is considered to be the 13th in the series of Tevara
Stalangal on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola
region of Tamilnadu. Legends:
Vishnu is said to have taken the form of a white Rishabham & prayed to Shiva,
hence Velvidai, Rishabapuram, Vishnupuram. Shiva caused Kuberan to provide a poor devotee
with a gift of gems hence the  name Ratnankureswarar. Agni in the guise of a pigeon had
tested King Sibi & to regain his original form, created a river & offered its
waters in prayer to Shiva, hence Kurukavur Shiva is said to have miraculously provided
Sundaramoorthy Nayanar with a meal of curds rice & hence the name Daddiyonnapuram.
The Temple: This temple with a single prakaram covers an area of about
an acre and a half. There is also a shrine to Vishnu - Kariamaanikka Perumaal here. This
temple was rebuilt (of stone) in the 10th century, during the period of Uttama Chola.
Niche images around the sanctum and the ardhamandapam here include those of Vinayakar,
Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Bhrama, Durga, Vishnu and Mohini. Inscriptions from
the times of Uttama Chola, Raja Raja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulottunga Chola I
are seen in this temple. The Theertham here is Velvidai Theertham (a well), whose waters
are believed to turn white on the new moon day in the month of Thai (Capricorn).
Festivals: Four worship services are offered each day here. Shiva's
blessing Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is enacted on Chitra Pournami, and his blessing
 Sambandar
with water is enacted on Thai Amavasai. Skanda Sashti is also celebrated here.
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