Vedagiriswarar Temple is located at Tirukkazhukunram near
Mahabalipuram in
Kanchipuram District. Spread over 12 acres, this temple was built on a hill-top 1300 years ago by Pallava kings. It is also known by several other names such as Uruthrakodi, Nandipuri, Indrapuri, and so on. It is often considered the Kailas of the South.
The four hills in this vicinity represent the four
Vedas, the sacred Hindu scriptures, and the seat of Vedagiriswarar or Lord Shiva is
Atharva Veda. Tirupurasundari is the other main deity. An interesting ritual of this temple is feeding kites the holy offerings everyday. It is believed that these are divine beings cursed to be kites, that worship Shiva for salvation. Several ancient Shaivite saints have sung the greatness of this temple.
The temple is 70 km from
Chennai, on the Chengulpet-Mahabalipuram road.
