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Lord Shiva of this temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of all three celebrated Saivite Saints, Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. This is the 4th Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Maharshis Markandeya, Upamany, Karan and Saint Arunagiri Nathar had worshipped in this temple.

The idol of Mother Jeshtadevi appears different in this temple. There is a misconception that Jeshtadevi, usually said to be the elder sister of Sri Mahalakshmi is considered an inauspicious Goddess causing poverty and no endeavour would be successful if She comes on our way. But She protects all from all hardships and dangers. She makes people always awake. She was the family deity of Pallava king Nandi Varman. 

Those who worship Sakthi with Meru Mount vertical form of Sri Chakra, use to perform the pujas with nine mounts, called Navabaranas 9 jewels. Mother Jeshtadevi is the second Meru Jewel. There is a place of for Jeshtadevi in MotherAkhilandeswari Temple in Tiruvanaikaval. She has her place in this Uyyakondon Tirumalai temple also. Mother Jeshtadevi in this temple is holding two children in Her hands, one appearing as Nandi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva. This child is called Madan as it looks like a Madu bull. The other is a beautiful girl baby called Chedi, the maid of Mother Shakti and also the deity of words. Mother Adi Parasakthi is in the form of Mother Jeshtadevi who has brought the Chedi the deity of words Vak Devatha. Devotees may protect themselves from accidents in life by worshipping Mother Jeshtadevi.

The temple is on a 50 feet tall hill. There are five sacred springs around the temple Ponnoli Odai, Kudamurutti, Gnanavavi, Enkonakinaru and Narkonakinaru. Mother graces in the temple with Gajal around Her eyes named Anjanakshi. Other Ambica in the temple is praised as Balambika. Pujas are performed to both separately. As Lord Shiva gave a rebirth to Markandeya Rishi, He is revered as Ujjevanathar. As He grants all the wishes of the devotees, He is praised as Karpaganathar. Lord is a swyambu.

The temple is aesthetically constructed on this 50 feet tall hill. Karan, one of the brothers of Ravana had worshipped the Lord Shiva in this temple. There are 3 entrances to the temple, two facing south and one east.

Sage Mrukandu prayed to Lord Shiva seeking child boon. Lord asked him what type of son he would like to have a fool, a handicapped with a longevity of 100 years or the one known for his wisdom and handsomeness but with a short life of just 16 years. The sage chose the latter. The boy was born and namedMarkandeya. The time came. Markandeya was chased by the Lord of Death Yama when he was 16. The boy ran to many Shiva Kshetras, finally hid at this temple and fell at the feet of Lord. Lord Shiva protected the young boy in the Uyyakondon Hill and granted him Chiranjeevideathless life at Tiruverkadu.  

Moolavar:  Ujjeevanathar, Ujjeevaneswarar               

Amman / Thayar: Anjanakshi, Balambikai, Neelnedunkanni               

Thala Virutcham: Vilwa               

Theertham: Ponnolir Odai, Kudamurutti, Gnanavavi,Enkona Kinaru and Narkona  Kinaru               

Pathigam:
Tirunavukkarasar, Sambandar, Sundarar               

Old year: 1000-2000 years old               

Historical Name: Karkkudi               

City: Uyyakondon Malai

Located at 5 Kms west of Trichy atop a small hill, now known asUyyakondan Malai. This Sivasthalam is situated on the top of a rock hill of 30 feet height. 64 steps cut in the rock takes one to the top of the hill. The temple has 5 prakarams with high compund walls on the 4 sides. Stone inscriptions found in the temple give details of patronage and renovation work undertaken by the Pallava King Nadivarma Pallavan and hence Karkudi is also referred asNandivarama Mangalam.

It is interesting to note that Lord Shivas shrine is atop the hill and that of His Son Lord Murugas shrine is situated at the bottom of the hill. Usually the temples for Lord Muruga will be found on the top of a hill and here, in this Sivasthalam, the shrine for His Father is atop the hill. Apart from the srhines for Lord Shiva and His consort Anjanakshi, separate shrines for Sakthiganpathy, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Lord Brahma, Bhairavar, Sun God Sooriyan, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar and Navagraha are situated inside the temple. The inner walls of the temple are found with full of stone inscriptions with details of donations given by the Chola Kings Rajarajan, Uthama Cholan etc.

According to mythology, Mrikandu Maharishi did penance on Lord Shiva for getting children. Lord Siva asked him whether he needed 100 useless children who may live for 100 years or one intelligent, righteous son who would live only for a short period of 16 years of age. Mrikandu preferred to have one righteous son who may have a short life span of 16 years. The child thus born was named Markandeyawho also came to know about this dealine and then he took shelter in Lord Shiva. Markandeya, who was an ardent Siva devotee from his childhood, visited many temples of Lord Shiva and prayed to him for longer life. It is in this sivathalam at Karkudi, Lord Shiva pleased with Markandeyas true devotion and worship, appeared in front of him when he visited this temple and gave him a boon that Markandeya will be a Chiranjeevi and will live forever thereby nullifying the deadline of 16 years of life.

lord shiva in suyampu moorthy. Devotees pray to Mother Jeshtadevi in the temple for safety during travelling. Those who worship here are blessed with longevity.

Devotees offer vastras to Jeshtadevi.All festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva are celebrated in the temple.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Sri Ujjeevanathar Temple, Tirukarkudi, Uyyakondon Malai-620 102. Trichy district. Contact Number +9194431 50332, 94436 50493

Do:
  • Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
  • Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  • Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  • Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  • Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  • Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.