Tirukalukundram
Tirukalukundram, also known as Tirukazhukundram, is a panchayat town and taluk head of Tirukalukundram taluk in Chengalpattu district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for the Vedagiriswarar temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.
Etymology
The name Tirukkalukkunram is derived from the Tamil word, meaning. The Tamil prefix Tiru signifies 'holy' or 'sacred', a common honorific used for temple towns across Tamil Nadu. The town's name,, refers to the ridge where the main temple is located, atop a hill.History
Tirukazhukundram is renowned for a legend associated with its hilltop Shiva temple. According to the myth, two eagles visited the temple every day at noon to receive food from the temple priest, who performed this ritual daily. These birds were believed to be transformed rishis under a curse, and their daily visits were considered a divine occurrence. However, the legend foretells that these eagles would stop coming during the Kali Yuga, marking the beginning of the current age of degradation. In recent years, the eagles have not been sighted, leading many to believe that the Kali Yuga has indeed begun.Temple and religious significance
The temple atop the hill is dedicated to Shiva and is a significant place of pilgrimage. Pilgrims from all over the region visit the temple, especially during festivals. The site is also home to a tank known as pakshitīrtham, which is believed to have healing powers. According to local tradition, a plunge into the tank cures various ailments, including leprosy.Interestingly, there is no Nandi at the hilltop temple. It is said that Nandi refused to step on the hill, as the entire hill itself is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Instead, Nandi is worshiped at the foothills, where it "stayed back."
According to early records, the two sacred kites or eagles were said to have originally come from Varanasi. The ritual of feeding the birds was performed by a pandāram at the hilltop temple. This tradition was observed until recent decades when the birds ceased their visits.