The Shivasubramaniaswamy Temple, commonly known as the Murugan Temple, is located in Puduvandipalayam, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. With an antiquity of approximately 300 years, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is enshrined here with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
It is believed that after defeating the demon Surapadman, Lord Murugan graced this place, sanctifying it with his divine presence. The temple also commemorates the celestial wedding of Lord Murugan with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, which is celebrated annually during the Panguni Uthiram festival.
The Murugan Temple at Vandipalayam is a classic example of Dravidian temple architecture, which is renowned for its grandeur and intricate detailing. The temple features a towering gopuram (gateway tower) adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological stories and deities. The vimana above the sanctum sanctorum symbolizes the divine connection between the earthly realm and the heavens. Spacious mandapas (halls with carved pillars) provide space for worship and cultural events.
The temple is about 300 years old and has a unique shrine called “Vel Kottam,” where the sacred weapon of Lord Muruga, the Vel, is enshrined.
Special pujas are performed for the Vel on Sundays, as well as on days when the Kruthika and Poosa stars are prominent. Devotees firmly believe that regularly worshiping the Vel can cure long-term and serious illnesses and bring success and happiness in life.
Sage Tirunavukkarasar, one of the revered Shaivite saints, faced severe persecution from the Jains during his time. King Mahendravarma, influenced by the Jains, ordered that the saint be tied to a heavy stone and thrown into the Bay of Bengal. However, as the saint chanted the Panchakshara Mantra (“Na Ma Shi Va Ya”), the heavy stone turned into a floating cork and carried him southward.
He eventually reached the shores of the Kedilam River, where he was blessed with a divine vision of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on Vrushaba (Lord Shiva’s bull vehicle) and Lord Muruga on his peacock vehicle. A temple was built for Lord Muruga at this site to commemorate this miraculous event.
Every year, this event is celebrated on the Anusha Star Day, when Lord Pataleeswara and Perianayaki from Tirupathiripuliyur, along with Lord Muruga from Puduvandipalayam, bless devotees during a grand procession.
The area is also known as Karaieravitta Kuppam (“Karai” means shore, and “Kuppam” means place) to mark the saint’s miraculous arrival at the shore.
