Tirundudevankudi Karkadeswarar Temple
Sri Karkadeswarar Temple at Tirundudevankudi is an ancient Shiva temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is also popularly known as Nandaankoil / Nandu Koil, because of its unique association with a crab that worshipped Lord Shiva here.
The presiding deity is Lord Karkadeswarar, and the Divine Mother is worshipped in two separate forms — Arumarundhu Nayaki and Apoorva Nayaki. The name Karkadeswarar comes from Karkataka, meaning crab.
The temple is a Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalam and is traditionally counted as the 42nd Shiva temple on the northern bank of the Cauvery praised in the Tevaram tradition. Saint Tirugnanasambandar composed a pathigam in praise of the Lord here.
The temple is particularly important as a traditional Parihara Sthalam for Kataka Rasi and for people born under Punarpoosam, Poosam and Ayilyam Nakshatras. The temple also has a special Yoga Chandra shrine, making it traditionally associated with remedies for Chandra Dosha.
Another major feature is the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam, on which traditional accounts identify a hole associated with the crab and a scar associated with Indra's attempt to strike the crab.
The temple is also associated with healing traditions. Lord Shiva is revered here as a divine healer, while Dhanvantari, the physician of the Devas, also has a shrine within the temple.
| Moolavar | Sri Karkadeswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Sri Arumarunthammai, Sri Apoorvanayagi. |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Rasi | Cancer (Kadagam) |
| Nakshatra | Pushya, Ashlesha |
| Theertham | Navapashana Theertham, Agili Theertham, Pangaya Theertham, Cauvery |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
Mondays, Ashlesha / Aayilyam star days, Krishna Paksha Ashtami
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
This temple is highly regarded as a Parigara Sthalam for two main reasons:
- Astrological: It is the primary remedy temple for those born under the Kataka Rasi (Cancer zodiac sign) and the stars Punarvasu, Poosam, and Ayilyam. It is also highly effective for removing Chandra Dosham (Moon afflictions).
- Medical: Lord Shiva here is known as Pini Neekkum Shiva (the curer of diseases), and Goddess Arumarundhu Nayaki (meaning "Goddess of Rare Medicine") is believed to cure severe, unexplained ailments. A Chola king is said to have been completely cured of paralysis here by the divine intervention of the Lord and Goddess disguised as an elderly doctor couple.
Who should worship?
By Planet — Moon
From a strictly astrological perspective in a Kundli (birth chart), an individual should worship or appease the Moon (Chandra) if any of the following planetary conditions apply:
- Debilitation (Neecha Chandra): The Moon is placed in the zodiac sign of Scorpio (Vrishchika Rashi), where it is at its weakest.
- Dusthana Placement: The Moon is situated in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house (Trik Bhavas) of the birth chart.
- Grahan Dosha (Eclipse Combination): The Moon is conjunct with either Rahu or Ketu in the same house.
- Punarpoo Dosha: If the Moon is conjoined with Saturn, placed in one of Saturn’s Nakshatras, or aspected by Saturn.
- Kemadruma Dosha: There are no planets located in the houses immediately preceding (12th from Moon) and succeeding (2nd from Moon) the Moon, excluding the Sun, Rahu, and Ketu.
- Amavasya Dosha (Combustion): The Moon is conjunct with the Sun (born on a New Moon). The Moon loses its Paksha Bala (strength of phase) when it is too close to the Sun.
- Weak Paksha Bala: Birth took place during the late waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha), specifically from the 8th day (Ashtami) to the New Moon (Amavasya).
- Papakartari Yoga: The Moon is "hemmed in" by malefic planets, meaning there are malefic planets in the houses immediately before and after the Moon.
- Challenging Lordship: The Moon acts as the lord of the 6th, 8th, or 12th house for a specific Ascendant (Lagna)—for example, Aquarius Ascendant (where Moon rules the 6th house).
- Dasha/Bhukti Activation: The native is currently running the Chandra Mahadasha or Antardasha (major or sub-period), and the Moon is poorly placed or afflicted in the chart.
By Nakshatra
- Poosam / Pushya Nakshatra born people
- People facing marriage obstacles
- People struggling with debts or financial difficulties
- eople experiencing recurring health problems or difficulties involving the legs
- People seeking relief from fear, obstacles and difficult circumstances
By Nakshatra
- ஆயில்யம் நட்சத்திரத்தில் பிறந்தவர்கள்
Mantra & Slokam
By Planet — Moon
Chandra Gayatri Mantra
Om Padmadwajaya Vidmahe · Hemaroopaya Dhimahi · Tanno Chandra Prachodayat
By Nakshatra
Om Brahma-Varchasaaya Vidhmahe, Mahaa-Dishaayaa-ya Dheemahi, Tanno Pushya Prachodayaat
Parigaram Items
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Raw Rice | Donate |
| Cow's Milk | Abhishekam |
| Silver | Wearing Ornament |
| Natural Pearl | Wearing Ornament |
| White Cloth | Donate |
| White Flowers | Offer to God |
How to perform Parigaram at home
Performing a pariharam (remedy) for the Moon at home focuses on purity, the color white, and devotion to Lord Shiva, who controls lunar energies.
Prerequisites
- Best Day: Monday (Somavaram).
- Time: Evening after moonrise, or morning during Moon Hora (usually the first hour after sunrise on Monday).
- Direction: Face North-West.
- Attire: Clean, white-colored clothing.
Step-by-Step Ritual
- Purification: Take a bath and clean the pooja space thoroughly.
- Deity Setup: Place a picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati. If you have a Chandra Yantra or a specific Navagraha picture, place that as well.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light a deepam (lamp) using pure cow's ghee and a cotton wick.
- Offerings (Pushpam & Naivedyam):
- Decorate the deity with white flowers (like jasmine or white lotus).
- Offer white-colored food items as prasadam. Boiled milk with sugar, rice kheer (payasam), or simple sugar candy (kalkandu) are ideal.
- Chanting (Japa): Sit on a mat and chant the Chandra Navagraha Slokam or Chandra Gayatri Mantra (provided previously) 108 times using a rudraksha or crystal (sphatik) mala.
- Aarti & Prayer: Perform a simple camphor aarti. Pray specifically for mental peace, emotional stability, and the removal of planetary afflictions.
- Charity (Daan): After the pooja, consume the prasadam. As a continuation of the pariharam, offer a glass of milk to your mother, or donate rice/milk to an elderly woman.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
The most famous Sthala Puranam of Tirundudevankudi concerns a Gandharva who was cursed to take the form of a crab.
According to the traditional story, a Gandharva incurred the curse of Sage Durvasa and was born as a crab. Seeking liberation from the curse, the crab came to this sacred place and began worshipping Lord Shiva.
The crab would reportedly take lotus flowers from the temple tank during the night and enter the sanctum through the opening associated with the gomukha, offering the flowers to Lord Shiva.
At the same time, Indra was also worshipping the Lord by offering lotus flowers. One day, Indra noticed that the flowers he had arranged were disappearing and decided to find out who was taking them.
He eventually saw the crab taking the flowers and worshipping Shiva.
According to the traditional account, Indra became angry and attempted to strike the crab with a weapon. The blow injured the Shiva Lingam as the crab sought refuge with the Lord. The traditional marks associated with this incident are said to remain visible on the Lingam.
Realising that the crab was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva, Indra understood his mistake and repented.
Because Indra, the Deva, corrected his mistake, the place came to be known as Tirundudevankudi — a name associated with "the place where the Deva corrected himself." Locally, however, the temple is much more commonly known as Nandu Koil.
The healing legend
Another important Sthala Purana tells of a Chola king who suffered from a severe illness. According to temple tradition, doctors were unable to cure him.
The king eventually prayed to Lord Shiva.
An elderly couple appeared before the king and gave him sacred water mixed with holy ash. The king was miraculously cured.
When he asked the couple to remain in his kingdom as royal physicians, they refused. Instead, they led him to the place where the ancient Shiva Lingam was present and asked him to build a temple there.
The king realised that the elderly couple were none other than Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and constructed the temple.
This tradition explains the temple's strong association with healing and relief from illness.
The king is also traditionally associated with the installation of Arumarundhu Nayaki, while the original Ambika image was later found and installed as Apoorva Nayaki. Thus, the temple became distinctive for having two Ambika shrines.
Parigaram (Remedy)
For Diseases: Devotees perform Abhishekam to Lord Karkadeswarar using pure Gingelly oil (Sesame oil / Nallennai). The oil that flows over the Lingam is collected and consumed as a potent medicine to cure severe diseases and prolonged illnesses.
For Kataka Rasi / Chandra Dosham: Worshipping the Lord on one's birth star day and lighting lamps at the Chandra (Moon) shrine located at the temple entrance mitigates adverse planetary effects.
What to do when you visit
Observe the Lingam: Look closely at the main deity (Karkadeswarar); you can clearly see the hole where the crab hid and the physical cut mark (scar) caused by Indra's sword.
Worship Two Goddesses: The temple features two side-by-side Ambal shrines. Ensure you pray to both Arumarundhu Nayaki (the new idol) and Apoorva Nayaki (the original, recovered idol).
Chandra Shrine: Don't miss the shrine dedicated to the Moon (Chandra) at the entrance. Note that there is no separate Navagraha shrine in this temple.
Before You Visit
Transport: The temple is located in a rural village setting. It is highly recommended to arrange an auto or taxi from Kumbakonam and keep the vehicle waiting for your return journey.
Pooja Items: If you plan to offer the Gingelly oil Abhishekam, purchase high-quality pure sesame oil from Kumbakonam town itself before heading to the temple.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
Special pujas are conducted during Pradosham, Annabhishekam (October-November), and Maha Shivaratri (February-March). The most crucial ritual is the Gingelly Oil Abhishekam performed directly on the Swayambu Lingam.
Learn More
- The Moon controls your mind, thoughts, and emotions. It decides whether you feel peaceful or anxious.
- It represents your mother. It influences her health and how good your relationship is with her.
- It controls the water in your body, blood flow, and sleep. A weak Moon causes colds, sinus problems, and poor sleep.
- It gives you a strong imagination, artistic talents, and good intuition (gut feeling).
Charity / Daana
1. Best Day & Time
- Day: Mondays (Somavaram).
- Time: Preferably in the evening after sunset or during Monday morning.
2. Best Items to Donate
- Raw Rice
- Cow’s Milk
- White Cloth
- Sugar or Sugar Candy
- Silver or Pearl (if affordable)
3. To Whom Should You Donate?
- Elderly women
- Temple priests
- People in need
4. The Most Powerful Dhana
- Because the Moon represents the mother, the best remedy is taking care of your mother. Gifting her items and making sure she is happy is considered the highest form of charity for Chandran.
Key Facts
Favorable / Unfavorable Signs
Own House (Swakshetra): Cancer
Exaltation (Ucha - Highest Power): Taurus
Debilitation (Neecha - Weakest Point): Scorpio
Friendly Signs: Leo, Aries, Sagittarius, and Pisces
Enemy Signs: None. The Moon does not consider any planet as its enemy, though conjunctions with Rahu and Ketu cause eclipses (Grahan Dosha) which are highly unfavorable.
Festivals
Major festivals include Aadi Pooram, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Karthigai Deepam, and Mahashivaratri.
How to Reach
Tirundudevankudi is approximately 10 km from Kumbakonam and 32 km from Mayiladuthurai. Take the road towards Veppathur/Thiruvisanallur from Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is the nearest major railway station.
Location Map
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Jyotishacharya S. Sermaraj M.B.A. · HinduPanchangam.in · 04 Sep 2026