| Description:
This Shivastalam is considered to be among the holiest Saivite shrines as it has the third
highest number of Patikams, the first two being Sirkali
and Tiruvarur.
Tiruveezhimizhalai is considered to be the 61st in the series of
Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Legends:
Parvati is said to have been reborn as Katyayani and married Shiva here. The same legend
that is associated with Tirumalper (viz that of
Vishnu offering one of his eyes in lieu of the 1000th flower in worship to Shiva to obtain
the cosmic Chakrayudam) is associated with Tiruveezhimizhalai. Legend has it that Shiva
had used this Chakrayudam to destroy Jalandarasuran at Tiruvirkudi
Veerattam. A panel depicting the divine marriage is seen behind the
Shivalingam; the temple is believed to be the Vimanam which was brought by Mahavishnu.
Shiva is said to have blessed Appar and Sambandar with material resources during a bad
drought here.
The Temple: This temple with 3 prakarams covers an area of 4 acres and
its entrance is crowned with a 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The 100 pillared hall is of interest
here as are the 25 theerthams.The Nandi mandapam here is of great beauty. The Rajagopuram
and the Vinnizhi Vimanam of the sanctum are of great significance here. The
Vowalottimandapam (100 pillared hall) has beautiful pillars and images. Appar and
Sambandar are said to have established their mutts at Veezhimizhalai. Inscriptions
from as early as the period of Parantaka I (early 10th cent) are found here. This temple
is under the administration of the Tiruvavaduturai Adhinam.
Festivals: Five worship services are offered each day. The annual
Bhrammotsavam is observed in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals here include Arudra
Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Skanda Sashti, Sivaratri, Aadi Pooram, Aavani Moolam and
Navaratri. |
