Kaduveli Sri Akashapureeswarar Temple
Sri Akashapureeswarar Temple at Kaduveli near Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur District is a sacred Shiva temple specially associated with Pooradam Nakshatra, known as Purva Ashadha in Sanskrit.
Pooradam is the 20th Nakshatra among the 27 Nakshatras. The Nakshatra is traditionally ruled by Venus (Shukra) and its presiding deity is Aditi, the divine mother.
The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Akashapureeswarar, and the Goddess is Sri Mangalambikai. The temple is also closely associated with the great Tamil Siddhar Kaduveli Siddhar, and the village itself takes its name from him. "Kaduveli" refers to an open or vast expanse of space. The name Akashapureeswarar carries the meaning of the Lord associated with Akasha – space/ether, one of the five great elements.
A particularly distinctive feature is that Nandi is positioned outside the usual Nandi Mandapam area, a feature connected with the Sthala Purana involving Kaduveli Siddhar and Lord Shiva. The temple is traditionally visited by Pooradam-born devotees on their Janma Nakshatra day.
It is also associated with prayers concerning marriage obstacles, Vastu-related difficulties, construction of homes, professional development and general removal of obstacles.
| Moolavar | Sri Akashapureeswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Sri Mangalambigai |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Nakshatra | P.Ashadha |
| Theertham | Temple Tank/Well |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
Visiting on the Pooradam Nakshatra day of any month yields the absolute best astrological benefits. The Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) and Masi (Feb-Mar) are also highly auspicious for general worship.
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
Pooradam Nakshatram is ruled by Venus (Sukra) and its presiding deity is Apas (the Goddess of Water). However, astrological texts state that the cosmic energies of the Pooradam star are most active where the elements of Space (Akasha) and purity converge. Since Kaduveli Siddhar attained ultimate enlightenment here by worshipping the element of Space, the temple acts as a focal point for Pooradam star energies. Worshipping here removes the negative traits of the star, such as unwarranted blame, relationship misunderstandings, and artistic blockages.
Who should worship?
- Individuals born under the Purva Ashadha (Pooradam) Nakshatra.
- People undergoing Venus (Sukra) Mahadasa or Bhukti.
- Devotees of Apas (Water Goddess) and Lord Varuna.
- People facing water-related phobias/diseases, kidney issues, or needing purification from past toxic relationships.
Mantra & Slokam
Chanting this specific Gayatri mantra invokes the purifying and life-giving cosmic energy of the Pooradam star. It is ideal to chant this 108 times on Pooradam star days.
Om Apadhevathayai Vidmahe Mahaa Thabasaayai Dheemahi Thanno Poorada Prachodayaat
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
The legend of this temple revolves around Kaduveli Siddhar, one of the renowned 18 Siddhars of Tamil Nadu. He worshipped Lord Shiva not as an idol, but as the formless, infinite space (Akasha). He performed severe penance here, fasting for days, to the point where an anthill grew over him.
Once, the region faced a severe drought. The local king announced a reward for anyone who could bring rain. A temple dancer named Valli intentionally disturbed the Siddhar's penance to test him. Upon waking, the Siddhar's grace brought abundant rain to the region. The king organized a grand festival where Valli danced. During the performance, one of her anklets (Silambu) slipped and fell. Kaduveli Siddhar, seeing the divine form of Goddess Parvati in her, instinctively picked it up and placed it back on her foot. The king and the public mocked him, thinking he was infatuated with the dancer.
Heartbroken by the false accusation, the Siddhar sang a profound verse praying to Lord Shiva to prove his purity. Instantly, the Shiva Lingam in the temple burst open, and the Lord appeared, validating the Siddhar's flawless devotion. From then on, the Lord here is celebrated as Akashapureeswarar.
Kaduveli Siddhar's Wisdom
Kaduveli Siddhar is remembered not only for his Siddhic attainments but also for his teachings.
His famous philosophical song beginning with:
"Nandavanathil Or Aandi..."
uses the simple image of a clay vessel to explain the preciousness of human birth.
The Siddhar's teaching reminds human beings that the physical body is a precious gift and should be used for meaningful spiritual and righteous purposes rather than wasted in worldly distractions.
His association with this temple makes Kaduveli a particularly important place for devotees interested in Siddha philosophy and spiritual practice.
Nandi's Unique Position
One of the temple's most distinctive features is Nandi's position outside the usual Nandi Mandapam.
The temple tradition connects this with the divine presence granted by Shiva to Kaduveli Siddhar.
During the period of the Siddhar's intense tapas, Nandi stood outside while the Siddhar received the Lord's darshan.
This sacred arrangement continues as an unusual architectural and devotional feature of the temple.
Parigaram (Remedy)
For Pooradam Nakshatram: Pooradam starrers must visit this temple on their star days. Offering Abhishekam to Lord Akashapureeswarar and Goddess Mangalambigai, along with presenting white vastrams (clothes), clears planetary doshas.
Siddhar Worship: Lighting ghee lamps in front of the Kaduveli Siddhar idol and meditating in the open space of the temple helps clear false allegations, legal troubles, and restores lost reputation.
Naivedyam: Offering Sweet Pongal or fruits and distributing them to the poor brings immense peace of mind and success in artistic endeavors.
What to do when you visit
Enter the temple and first worship Lord Ganesha. Proceed to the main sanctum to worship Sri Akashapureeswarar. Notice the unique vibration of the sanctum, which honors the formless space. Pray to Goddess Mangalambigai for auspiciousness. Most importantly, you must locate the idol/shrine of Kaduveli Siddhar in the temple corridor. Sit down, close your eyes, and meditate for at least 10 minutes, silently asking the Siddhar to clear your mental blocks and external obstacles.
Before You Visit
Kaduveli is a quiet, remote village layout near Thiruvaiyaru. The temple does not have large crowds on normal days, and commercial shops are virtually non-existent near the temple premises. Therefore, buy all your pooja items, flowers, and lamps in Thiruvaiyaru town before heading to Kaduveli. The temple priest may only be available during specific morning and evening hours, so it is best to visit during the standard opening times.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
Special poojas are held exclusively on all Pooradam Nakshatram days every month. Pradosham is observed with great devotion, performing Abhishekam for the Shiva Lingam. A special Guru Pooja is also conducted annually for Kaduveli Siddhar.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri - Maha Shivaratri is one of the major annual festivals of Akashapureeswarar Temple. Devotees worship Lord Shiva through the night and participate in Abhishekam and special Poojas.
Aippasi Annabhishekam - Annabhishekam is celebrated during Aippasi and is an important Shiva worship tradition.
Thai Poosam - Thai Poosam is celebrated with special worship.
Navaratri - Navaratri is an important festival associated with Goddess Mangalambikai.
Panguni Uthiram - Panguni Uthiram is also celebrated at the temple.
Monthly Pooradam - The monthly Pooradam Nakshatra is especially important for Pooradam-born devotees.
How to Reach
By Road: Kaduveli is located about 15 km from Thanjavur and just 3-4 km from the famous town of Thiruvaiyaru. You can easily get a town bus or hire an auto-rickshaw from Thiruvaiyaru to reach Kaduveli.
By Train: Thanjavur Junction is the nearest major railway station.
By Air: Trichy International Airport is the nearest, located approximately 65 km away.
Nearby Temples
| Temple | Distance |
|---|---|
| Aiyarappar Temple (Panchanatheeswarar), Thiruvaiyaru. (A massive, highly revered Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Saint Thyagaraja and Nandi's wedding) | 4 km |
| Thingalur Kailasanathar Temple (Chandran Sthalam) | 12 km |
| Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (The monumental UNESCO World Heritage Shiva temple built by Raja Raja Chola) | 15 km |
| Swamimalai Murugan Temple (One of the Arupadaiveedu shrines of Lord Murugan) | 35 km |
Location Map
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Jyotishacharya S. Sermaraj M.B.A. · HinduPanchangam.in · 03 Oct 2026