#Sri Idaichuranathar Temple at Thiru Idaichuram (Thiruvadisoolam)
Sri Imayamadakkodi Ammai Sri Gnanapureeshwarar
#Maragatha Sumbhu Lingam

Location
Thiruvadisoolam is at a distance of 9 kms from Chengalpattu on Chengalpattu to Thirukkazhukundram route and 18 kms from Thirupporur on Chengalpattu to Thirupporur Road.

Thirukkazhukkundram, another Paadal Petra Sthalam is 15 km away from this temple.

General Information
Moolavar
Sri Idaichuranathar, Sri Gnanapureeswarar
Ambal
Sri Imayamadakkodi Ammai,
Sri Govardhanambikai
Theertham (Holy water)
Madhura Theertham
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
Vilvam
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar


This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 27th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
The Moolavar here is a large-sized Swayambhumurthy (self-manifested lingam) and is made of Emerald (Maragatham).
This east-facing temple has two main corridors and the main tower (Rajagopuram) with five-tiers.
History of the Temple
The temple is said to have been built in the 7th Century.

This place is in a beautiful location in the midst of hills and so it gets the name Idai-churam (“Idai” meaning – in between and “churam” meaning hills and forests).

This temple is under the purview of Thirukkazhukkundram Sri Vedagireeswarar Devasthanam.

Legend
According to the legend that in ancient times, the region was a forest densely covered with Vilwa trees. A shepherd, while grazing his cows, observed that one of his cows was pouring its milk at a particular place every day. He informed the locals and they cleared that area of bushes and found a Maragatha Swayambu Lingam. The legend is that Goddess Parvathi came here as Kamadhenu (cow) and worshipped Lord Shiva. Hence the Ambal here is named Govardhanambikai (Go meaning cow in Tamil).
Another legend associated with Thiruidaichuram is that of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. It is believed that, while on his pilgrimage, the saint decided to take a rest here after visiting the Thirukkazhukkundram temple.

Lord Shiva took the form of a shepherd, came to him, and offered some buttermilk to quench his thirst. When the shepherd asked him who he was, Sambanthar replied that he was on a pilgrimage to visit Shiva temples. The shepherd told the Saint that there was a Shivalingam near this place too and insisted him to visit that also. Sambanthar followed the shepherd who stopped near this temple tank, smiled, and then suddenly disappeared. Sambanthar realized that the shepherd was none other than Lord Shiva himself. While rendering his pathigam here he mentioned the lord as Idaichuranathar – Idai meaning “came and left mid-way” in Tamil.

It is believed that Sages Gowtama and Sanath Kumarar have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Deities in the temple
In the inner corridor, idols of lords Varasidhi Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Nalvars, Bairavar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durgai can be seen. In the outer corridor, shrines of Brahmandeswarar and Brahmandeswari can also be seen.

Salient Features
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar was mesmerized to see the glittering Maragatha lingam and while rendering his pathigam, he finished each stanza with the lines - “Idaichuram mevia Ivar vannam enne”, meaning “what a beautiful color the lord has!”.

During the time of arthi, one can notice the beautiful and glittering Maragadha lingam.

The tank from where Lord Shiva gave darshan to Sambanthar still exists and is called “Katchi Kulam” (katchi meaning appearance and kulam meaning tank).

In the outer corridor, three trees - Vilva, Neem (Vembu) and Peepal (Arasu) are growing together and is believed to represent Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Vinayaka. It is a common belief amongst devotees that worshipping these trees will ensure unity in the family and those separated will get re-united.
Another interesting feature to see here is that in the outer corridor, a banyan tree is gradually engulfing a palm tree.
A beautiful relief of Lord Murugan with his spear (“vel”) and with his right leg on his mount (peacock) can be seen on the right side of the Lord Shiva’s sanctum.

Another interesting feature of this temple is that the sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by “Ahazhi” (half-circle water tank).

Greatness of this temple
It is believed that by worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in this temple, devotees are blessed with “Santhana Prapthi” (child boon).
Important Festivals
Maha Shivratri in the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March) is very famous here and is celebrated in a grand manner.

During Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), the lord’s wedding festival is celebrated. During the same time, the bangles festival (Valaikappu) of Goddess Govardhanambikai is also celebrated.

Chitra Poornima in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is also significant.

Every month Padosham and Krithigai are also observed.

Temple Timings
From 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM.