Kartakeshwara Shiva temple is located in Tirudevankudi, Kumbakonam, TamilNadu. The legend of this temple is that a scorpion worshipped Lord Shiva here. This is the perfect temple for people of Karkata Rashi or Cancer Moon sign). There is a seperate shrine for Moon(Chandra) which the ruling planet for Karkata rashee. Lord Shiva is known as Karkateshwaran (Lord of Crabs).
Located amidst lush green fields, this temple is a must visit. Locally, it is known as Nandu koil (crab temple).This entire area once was a forest of plants of high medicinal value. These medicines were used in preparation of ayurvedic medicines. There were also 9 holy wells, the water from which was used along with the herbs. During one such occasion, the idol of mother Goddess was unearthed. So, she is called as Arumarundhu Nayaki ( Goddess of Medicine). Abishekam is performed with a special oil and it distributed to devotees, if we let the priest know in advance. Prayers are offered here for cure of ailments and good health. One of the greatest saints, Tirugyanasambandhar, has described the lord Shiva here as "Pini Neekum Sivan" (Lord who cures ailments).
There is one more shrine of Mathaji. She is called as Apoorva Nayagi ( Rarest of rare Goddess). From an architecture point of view, the temple is very old and has numerous inscriptions and paintings.
