The shrine where parrot visits every day to worship the lord.

Veezhinathar Temple is an ancient temple located in the village Thiruveezhimizhalai near the historic town Kudavasal in Thiruvarur district. This temple is the 61st Padal Petra Sthalam in the South of River Kaveri. Also, this is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the “Moovar” (the three great saints - Thirugnanasambanthar, Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.

This ancient temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old. There are 68 stone inscriptions available in this temple which relate to the periods starting from the early Chola King Kulothungan-I. Now this temple is under the administrative control of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam.

Lord Shiva in this temple is called Veezhi Azhakeesar or Veezhinathar as this place was once called Veezhikkadu (Veezhi forest) with sandalwood, Jackfruit, Vila and Shenbagam trees. Lord is also called Kalyanasundareswarar, Nethrapaneswarar. Goddess Parvathy in this temple is called Karthiayini Ambal, Sundaragujambigai, Azhagiyavanmulaiammai.

The legend is that Sage Kathyayana and his wife Sumangalai had performed rigorous penance here to obtain the blessings for a child. Pleased with their penance, Goddess Parvathi herself was born to them. She was named “Karthyayini”. When she grew up and attained the marriageable age, the sage prayed to Lord Shiva that he helps him find a suitable groom for her. Responding to his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared and told him that he would marry his daughter on the “Magam” star day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The Lord further told the sage that his daughter is none other than Goddess Parvathy herself. As told by Lord Shiva, their wedding took place here. The sanctum resembles a “Kalyana Mandapam” (marriage hall) with two pillars – one is said to be “Arasanikkal” and the other “Panthakkal”. This form of sanctum cannot be seen anywhere else. The sage requested the lord to stay back in this temple in their wedding form and grant darshan to all the devotees. Since then, it is believed that the lord can be seen in the sanctum sanctorum in their wedding form.

The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy that are placed behind the main lingam are very special as both of them are in a human form with a height of about 12 feet. The lord is known as Sri Kalyanasundarar and is also colloquially called as “Mappillai Swamy” (“Mappillai” means groom in Tamil). The inner tower is in the shape of a chariot with Lord Indra as the driver and Lord Shiva seated behind as the groom.

Another legend says that, Lord Maha Vishnu received the cosmic weapon Chakrayudam from Lord Shiva here in lieu of the 1000 flower worship. It is believed that in his battle against Sage Thatheesi, Lord Mahavishnu had used his discus. When the discus touched the sage’s body, it lost its sharpness and became defunct. Worried, Lord Mahavishnu consulted with the celestial gods (Devas) who advised him that Lord Shiva had the “Sudharsana Chakram” (discus) which he had created to destroy demon Chalandaran. Lord Mahavishnu came to this place (Thiruveezhimizhalai) carrying a sanctum tower (“Vinnizhi Vimanam”) with him. He placed the idol of Lord Shiva inside it and worshipped him every day by making an offering of a thousand lotus flowers.

To test Lord Vishnu’s determination, it is believed that one day, Lord Shiva caused the shortage of one flower. To make up for this shortage, Lord Vishnu immediately plucked out one of his eyes out and offered it along with the flowers. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva restored Lord Mahavishnu’s eye and blessed him with the “Sudharsana Chakram”. Lord Shiva also named Lord Mahavishnu as “Kamalakkannan” (“Kamalam” means lotus in Tamil). The sanctum sanctorum’s tower looks very beautiful. It is sculpted in such a way that it looks as if 16 lions are holding it. This is known as “Vinnazhi Vimanam” which is believed to have been brought from the celestial world by Lord Mahavishnu. There is a hole in the wall of the sanctum through which a parrot is believed to come every day to worship the lord.

There are so many salient features which makes this temple as an architectural marvel. Many devotees come to worship here to get rid of the obstacles in  marriage proposal as this is an important Parihara Sthalam for marriage.