Thirukazhukundram

Vedagiriswarar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in Tirukalukundram (also known as Thirukazhukundram), Tamil Nadu, India.The TempleTirukalukundram is known for the Vedagiriswarar temple complex, popularly known as Kazhugu koil . The consists of two temple structures, one in the foothill and the other atop the hill. The main attraction, the large temple hilltop temple houses the deity of Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foothills is dedicated to his consort Parvati, known here as Thiripurasundari Amman. The temple at the foothills has four towers closely resembling the architecture of the Annamalaiyar TempleHistoryThe word Thirukazhukundram comes from the Tamil words Thiru, Kazhugu, Kundram . It was known as "Thirukazhugukundram" in ancient times, which, overtime became Thirukazhukundram. The town is also known as Pakshi Theertham because of a pair of birds -Most likely Egyptian vultures- that are believed to have visited the site for centuries. These birds are traditionally fed by the temple priests and arrive before noon to feed on offerings made from rice, wheat, ghee and sugar. Although punctual, the failure of the birds to turn up was attributed to the presence of "sinners" among the onlookers. Legend has it the vultures represent eight sages who were punished by Shiva with two of them leaving in each of a series of epochs. It has also been known as Uruthrakodi, Nandipuri, Indrapuri, Narayanapuri, Brahmapuri, Dinakarapuri, Muniganapuri in the past.