Vilvavaneswarar Temple, Thiruvaikavur

According to the legend recorded by Dinamalar and Wikipedia, a hunter chasing a deer came upon the sage Thavanidhi, who sheltered the animal. Shiva took the form of a tiger and drove the hunter up a vilva tree, where he spent the night plucking leaves to stay awake. The leaves fell on a Shiva lingam below, and because the night was Maha Sivaratri the hunter is believed to have received Shiva's grace. Dinamalar describes Thiruvaikavur as the place that gave rise to the Maha Sivaratri festival.

The story continues that when Yama, the god of death, came for the hunter, Dakshinamurthy drove him away. Tradition says Nandi, the bull, had let Yama in, and ever since Nandi here faces the temple entrance rather than the sanctum, guarding it against Yama's return; Yama is said to have dug the tank in front of the temple, called Yama Theertham. Another tradition explains the name Vilvavanam: the Vedas are said to have worshipped here in the form of vilva trees.

The temple is praised in the Tevaram. Dinamalar lists Thirugnana Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar as the saints who sang here and counts it the 48th Tevaram shrine on the northern bank of the Kaveri; Wikipedia also names the three saints, while the Shivatemples.com reference notes a hymn by Sambandar in the third Thirumurai.

Thiruvaikavur is a village temple that is quiet for most of the year and very crowded on Maha Sivaratri, when the vigil runs through the night. Dress modestly, follow the priests' instructions, and ask before photographing inside. Opening hours differ between published guides, so confirm current timings with the temple office before travelling, especially around the festival.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.