Description
Thiruvelvikudi is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalams of Lord Shiva situated on the river banks of Cauvery in Mayavaram, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu This is one of the oldest temples built during the Chola dynasty. The temple inscriptions reveal the dates back to the great rulers of King Paranthaka Chola and King Rajaraja Chola.
History
Parvati was born to Sage Bharatha in Kuthalam near Tiruvelvikudi. She performed penance for 16 Mondays on Lord Shiva to have His hand as Her Lord. Mother made a Linga of sand for the penance. On the 17th Monday, Lord appeared before Parvathi as Manavaleswarar and promised to marry her. Accordingly, the rituals were conducted with Brahma being the head priest for this divine marriage. Hence, the place is named Tiru Velvikudi.
Importance/Significance
According to legends, the wedding of a princess was to take place with a prince here, but her parents died before the event. The bride canceled the marriage. The prince begged the Lord to get him the princess. Lord sent a Bhoodha (something like a ghost but used for a good purpose), brought the princess and solemnized their wedding. This is also the place where saint Sundarar took a bath in the Agni theertham and got his disease cured. It also has the reputation of Lord Shiva offering half of Himself to Shakti.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Pournami, Arudra Darisanam, Maha Shivaratri, Karthikai, Vijayadashami, Navaratri, Chithirai Brahmostavam are the main festivals celebrated here.
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