Eagle Temple at Thirukazhukundram

You can bet I’ll be copying and pasting that village’s name instead of typing it again! Anway, on the day of Gandhi’s birthday (a national holiday), I joined some teachers to a village tour। On the way, we stopped at Thirukazhukundram, a town located 17 km (11 miles) west of Mahabilupuram। This town is famous for two eagles that arrive at noon to be fed by the priests at Vedagiriswarar Temple.


Legend of Vedagiriswarar

Our guide told us about the legend surrounding the eagles. She described how eight saint-like figures prayed to the lord Shiva when they died to acquire the form of the lord. When Shiva appeared to them, and they decided instead to become on equal status with the Lord and merging with the Supreme Brahman, Shiva became enraged. Instead of the expected promotion, he demoted them to become eagles. After begging for forgiveness, Shiva relented and instead said that they would be born as holy eagles, two in each yugam (an epoch of time in the Hindu calendar). If they worshipped Shiva sincerely, they could attain Sarupya Mukti (soul acquires form of the lord). So far, six have already attained that status, with the last two living in the final epoch of the world. These last two eagles are said to visit the Vedagiriswarar Temple at noon for food, reaching the distant town of Rameswaram in the evening.

Up we go

After taking off our shoes, we stood in line to pay the 10 rupees for photography. There even was a paid option to be carried up the 530+ stairs to the temple. The temple itself was simple (I expected its interior and exterior to be more ornate considering its fame) and dimly lit – a common characteristic of Hindu temples. A patio outside the temple provided a great view of the town, including another temple complex with tall gopurams (pyramidal gateways in south Indian temples) and a large temple tank. Surrounding the town were small green fields, with rice being a common crop. Still several hours before noon, we decided to head back down.

Walking down the stairs was definitely easier and faster. Back at the main level, more Hindus had now arrived, offering prayers before going through the gate up the stairs. A small ritual fire was lit on the stairs. A woman and her children sold garlands of flowers at a table, specific types for different gods. Now I can say I’ve visited the Vedagiriswarar Temple in the town of Thirukazhukundram.

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