Temple History Overview

Lord Brahmma went to Kailash to have the Gnana Upadesa (wisdom learning).  Lord Shiva gave the seeds of Vilwa tree to Brahmma and asked him to sow them in earth in various places.  Where the seed germinates within one hour into a tree shall be venue of teaching, said Lord Shiva.  It happened in Thirukadayur.   Shiva the teacher of Brahmma is worshipped as Adhi Vilwa Vana Nather in the temple having His own shrine.

The Devan began to consume the nectar without offering prayers to Lord Vinayaka who simply hid the pot.  They realized their folly and prayed to Vinayaka, got it from Him and placed it in this Thirudayur for Shiva Puja.  When opened it was Shiva Linga.  As Lord Shiva appeared here as a Swayamnu Linga from the Amirtha-nectar pot He is worshipped as Amirtha Kadeswarar.

Temple Location