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Legends Beliefs
According to legend, during the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati, Sage Agastya could not view the event due to the crowd at Kailash. He prayed to Shiva at this place, and Shiva appeared to him and his wife Lopamudra in his marriage attire. Shiva made this place his abode. The temple is also believed to be where Shiva's son Murugan received his weapon to kill the demon king Surapadma.
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Deities and Sub Deities
The main deity of the temple is Vedapureeswarar, a form of Shiva, represented by the lingam. His consort, Parvati, is depicted as Balambigai. The temple also houses shrines for other deities, including Murugan, Durga, and the Navagrahas. There are also shrines for Arunagirinathar and Murkha Nayanar, and a prominent sculpture of Karumari Amman.
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Offerings
Devotees offer various rituals and prayers to the deities. The daily rituals include abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps). Special offerings are made during weekly, fortnightly, and monthly rituals, as well as during major festivals.
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Architecture
The temple complex covers 1.5 acres and features Dravidian architecture. It has two gateway towers (gopurams) and three corridors (prakaras). The main rajagopuram has seven tiers. The vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is of Gajabrushta design. The temple tank is located outside the main entrance. The main shrine houses the image of Shiva as Vedapureeswarar and Parvati as Balambigai. The first precinct is decorated with images of the Nayanars, Murugan, and Durga.
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Festivals
The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The Brahmotsavam festival during Magam (February - March) is the most prominent. Other festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Tai Poosam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram, and Vaikasi Visakam. Monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day), and sathurthi are also observed.
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Religious Practices
The temple priests perform puja (rituals) six times a day. The rituals include Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandam Kalm at 7:30 p.m., and Arthajamam at 9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises abhisheka, alangaram, naivethanam, and deepa aradanai. Weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), as well as fortnightly rituals like pradosham, are also performed.