| Description:
This Shivastalam is located 5 km south of Kodavasal
and Koradacheri on the Tiruvarur Thanjavur railroad. Koovilamputhur the original name
became Kollampudur. Koovilam stands for Vilvam, hence Vilvavanam. This shrine is regarded
as a Muktistalam. This shrine is regarded as the 113rd in the series of
Tevara Stalams in the Chola Region south of the river Kaveri. Legends: The Vilva trees are said to represent
splashes of the celestial nectar Amritam, and this stalam is considered on par with
Banares. Sundarar is believed to have floated across the river to this temple in a
boatmanless raft in a river in spate singing a Patikam . This event is celebrated in a
festival in the monsoon month of Libra. The Avimukteswarar temple nearby is also
associated with this legend as is the Shivastalam at Kodavasal.
Shiva is said to have blessed Durvasa Muni with a vision of the Cosmic Dance here.
Legend also has it that Arjuna worshipped Shiva at this shrine.
The Temple: There are several inscriptions here, and the Cholas have
made immense contributions here.to this temple which was built during the time of
Kulottunga Chola I. This temple occupies an area of over 2 acres, and its second prakaram
has a 5 tiered rajagopuram. The Vinayakar in this temple is also of great
significance.
Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day. Kartikai Deepam,
Arudra Darisanam, Sivaratri, Skanda Sashti are some of the festivals celebrated here. |
