159. KUNDAIYUR

SUNDAHRAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 24kms from Thiruvarur and 1km from Thirukuvalai

Shiva: Sundharaeswarar

Amman: Meenakshi

Sthala Viruksham: Cluster fig

Speciality:

This place is the birth place of Kundaiyur Kizhar. 

This is a Vaipusthalam.

Sundharar has referred about this in his hymns.

This temple is also called Sokkanadhar temple.

This temple was beside another Shiva temple called Rishabapureeswarar temple. Since the temple was completely destroyed the Sundharaeswarar and Meenakshi is kept inside the Rishabapureeswarar temple.

To the front of the temple are 2 cluster fig trees which alternately produce fruits.

The festival of the Paddy received by Sundharar is celebrated on the day of Masi Magam (Sundharar Nel Vitra Vizha).

We find thr utsava idols of Kundaiyur Kizhar in the temple.

History:

Kundaiyur Kizhar used to send grains, paddy and dal to the house to Sundharar. Sundharar used to utilise this for feeding (annadhanam) in temples. Once Sundharar went to Thirukolili and told Lord Shiva that he wanted a person to carry the contribution of Kundaiyur Kizhar to Thiruvarur. Lord Sundharaeswarar Bhoodhas to carry the paddy and grains to Thiruvarur and they delivered those articles in Thiruvarur.