Chennaitian: Pudukottai

Avudayakoil - Gopuram

Significances:

The original shrine was established by Saint Manickavasagar.
More than 1200 years old based on the predictions of Manickavasagar’s period and south facing temple which is a rare kind in Siva temples.
This temple was called Tiruperundurai, Sathurvedhimangalam and Sivapuram
This temple is full of sculptures with minute details and perfect chiseling. Some of the sculptures are Tundi Vinayagar, stone chains, two pillars with thousand legs, 1008 sivalayas god and goddess sculptures, horse sculptures are world-famous.
The larger than life monolith figures of Agni and Agora Veerabadras at the entrance and Kaalidevi, Subrahmanya with bow, Bikshadanar, Sankaranarayanar, Urdhuvathandavar, Pasupatheeswarar and Narasimhamurthy are note worthy.
Two other sculptures of "Kuravan and Kurathi" exhibits the excellence of the artists for minute details from toe to hair style.

Avudayarkoil- Sabthaswara pillars

Avudayarkoil-Saint sculpture

The most awe inspiring work is seen insides of the Canopy and Sun shades known as "Kodungai" which stretches all around the Mandapams. The rafters, tiles, padding with hinges and decorative nails chiseled out of stone looks as though they were done in wood and iron. All over the ceilings are decorated with flowery patterns and stone chain links.
Tiyagaraja mandapam of this temple has stone chain and Panjatsara mandapam has Sabthaswara pillars.
Thiruvasakam was originated from this shrine.
These is no Lingam in the sanctum. Instead it only has the base, formlessness(Avudayar), which has a metal cover placed on it. This represents formlessness, the absolute ultimate..
This temple does not have a Nandhi, Dwajasthambam and Navagraha statues. Instead, Navagrahas are represented as pillars.
Utsavamurti of the temple is Manikkavasakar.
“Pittukku mann summantha kadhai”(Tiruvilaiyadal puranam) was happened in this location.
Pradosam is not celebrated in this temple.
Brahma was taught the Gayatri Mantra here by Atmanathar. Hence this place is also called Chaturvedapuram.

Avudayarkoil - horse sculpture

Special Prayers:

Avudaayakoil - Ceilings

Deities:

Festivals:

Location:

Avudayarkoil - Inside - Back view of Agni and Agora Veerabadras

Avudayarkoil-Kurathi sculpture

Temple Timings:

Nearby Attractions:


Thirumayam temple

Significances:

Thirumayam fort

7th Century CE Lord Siva cave temple
8th Century CE Lord Vishnu cave temple
One of the largest rock inscriptions in Tamilnadu.
It was one of the Chola territories.
Inscriptions dated in the reigns of Maravarman Sundara Pandya II , Jatavarman Veera Pandyan III and Jatavarman Parakrama Pandyan.
The Vijayanagara inscriptions are dated in the reigns of Virupaksha I and Krishnadevarayar
Famous freedom fighters Veerapandiya Kattabomman and his brother Umaiturai hide in a fort at Tirumayam.

Attractions:

Scenic view from Thirumayam fort

Thirumayam Fort - This 40 acres fort was built by Sethupathi Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar.
Siva temple - 7th century temple was built by Pandya kings. Diety is called Satyagirisvara.
Vishnu temple - It is much a much-venerated temple and is considered second in importance only to the temple at Srirangam
Bhairavar Kovil - It is built on the outermost wall of the old fort. This temple is famous with vehicle owners who stop and pray for their safe journey.

Location: