Mahakalanathar Temple

Overview

This is a Shivastalam that is located near Poonthottam on the Peralam Tiruvarur railway line. This temple is noted for its shrine to Kali and to Kaalakandeswarar. Ambar is 3 km southeast of Poonthottam, while Ambar Maakaalam is 1 km east of Ambar. Ambarmaakaalam is considered to be the 55th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

About the Temple

Legend has it that two demons, Amban and Ambarasuran planned to wed Mother Parvathi. Knowing their plan, Mother took the form of Kali and destroyed them. She thus incurred the sin Brahmmahathi dosha. To relieve Herself from the sin, She installed a Shivalinga here and performed archanas with Vilwa leaves. As Kali performed Shiva Puaja here, the Lord is known as Makalanathar. Sage Madanga Maharshi sought child boon from Lord Shiva. He was blessed with a girl child and was named Rajamadangi. When She grew, Lord appeared before Her and asked about Her wish. Rajamadangi said that She wanted to be with Him in Wedding form. Based on this event, those experiencing obstacles in wedding offer two garlands to Mother and then wear one of them. Lord Vinayaka with a human face and Adhi Skanda grace the devotees in the temple. As Lord Vinayaka came here to take part in the yajna of Somasiar with a human face, it is said that He had stayed here in the same form. It is also our belief that 8 serpents are holding the earth, Vasuki one among them. There is a shrine for Vasuki in the temple.Lord Makaleswara in the temple is believed to be the authority to decide the longevity of people. People pray for longevity here and also Lord Shiva in Ujjain and in Irumbai near Villupuram.

About The deity

The main deities of the temple are Mahakalanathar and kalakandeswarar ( Lord Shiva ) and his consorts are Bayakshambikai and Acham Thavirtha Nayaki.

Legend and Stories

Somasimarar, one among the celebrated 63 Nayanmars was residing here with his wife Susheelai. He wanted to conduct the Soma Yajna and aspired that Lord Shiva Himself should be present in the yaga sala to accept the Havir Baga the fruits of the yajna. To invite the Lord, it was necessary to secure the help of Saint Sundarar who was suffering from coughing then. To cure him of the coughing, Nayanar sent herbal leaves called Thoodhuvalai Keerai every day. Sundarar did not know who sent the medicine to him but his spouse Sangiliar knew the person. When relieved, Sundarar came to see Somasiar to thank him. Somasiar sought the help of Sundarar to get Lord to be present in his Yajna and Sundarar was too happy to take up the mission and secured the consent of Lord. Lord promised to be present on the Ayilya star day in Vaikasi (May-June). As Lord Himself would be attending the yajna, Vedic scholars, sages from all corners gathered at the yajna spot. Lord came there as low caste born with four dogs representing four Vedas and a dead calf. He was accompanied by Mother Parvathi, Vinayaka and Muruga. As a Neecha-low born appeared there, all were afraid that there was something seriously wrong in the procedures of Yajna. Lord Vinayaka appeared in His true form and told Somasiyar that the visitor was no less a person than Lord Shiva Himself. Somasiar’s joy knew bounds. He did all honours to Lord Shiva Thyagaraja and offered the Havir Bagha. Lord left his Neecha form and granted darshan to Somasiar with Mother Parvathi and made him one among the Nayanmars.

Festivals

Vaikasi Soma Yaga festival is an important event in the temple celebrated on the Aslesha (Aayilyam) star day in May-June. Lord Shiva graces the devotees on this day with Mother Parvati wearing sandals and holding Maddhalam the drum and pot of honey.

Significance

Those battling for life perform abishek to Mokshalinga for relief. Those facing delays in wedding offer two garlands of red flowers (Arali malai) to Mother and then wear one of them on self.

Nearby Place To Visit

Ponvaithanaathar Temple
Swarnapureeswarar Temple
Padaleswarar Temple
Satchinathar Temple
Sarguna Nathar Temple
Kaichinneswarar Temple

Accessibility

Tirumakalam is on the Kumbakonam-Karaikal route. The closest railways are in Poonthottam, and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Mahakalanathar Temple,
Thirumakalam,
Tiruvarur district.