Vedaranyeswarar temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple at Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, India.

As per Hindu legend, the Vedas worshiped Lord Shiva here, giving the name “Vedaranyam” to this small town. According to another Hindu legend, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, Rama, is believed to have visited Vedaranyam to absolve himself of the sins committed during the war against the Sri Lankan King Ravana, who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. It is believed that the Ramar Padam near Vedaranyam has footprints of Rama.

Vedaranyeswarar temple is a part of the series of temples built by Aditya Chola (871-907 CE) along the banks of river Kaveri to commemorate his victory in the Tirupurambiyam battle. It has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times, from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

It is the only temple to have found mention in all the seven Thirumurais. Thirumurai, meaning holy division, is a  compendium of songs or hymns of 12 volumes in praise of Lord Shiva. It is written in the Tamil language from the 6th to the 11th century CE by various poets in Tamil Nadu.

Vedaranyeswarar is venerated during the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram. Tevaram is written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This book refers to this place as Tirumaraikadu meaning the place where Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

How Do I Go to Vedaranyeswarar Temple?

The temple is located at Vedaranyeswarar town and is named after Vedaranyeswarar, the presiding deity of the Vedaranyeswarar Temple.

This town is well connected by roads to other parts of the state and the rest of India.