Mahalingeshwarar Temple

Overview

The Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple is located at Tiruvidaimaruthur and is dedicated to God Shiva. This temple is one of the seven major Shiva temples. Shiva in this temple is represented by the lingam. His idol is referred to as Jyothimayalingam. Goddess Parvati in this temple is depicted as Pirguchuntaragujambigai. This lingam in this temple has been praised in Thevaram and also by 9th century Saiva saint poet Manikkavasagar.

About the Temple

The Thiruvitaimaruthur Mookambigai which is in this place is pretty famous just like Karnataka Kollur Mookamigai. These shrines are just present in these two places. In this temple, the Mookambigai shrine is placed in the sanctum which is in the south direction to the Ambal’s sanctum The sanctum which is inside is of the North Indian style of architecture. Inside it, the idol of Maha Meru Srichakram is installed. God Mahalingaswamy is the main deity according to the norms of the temple. Taking a round circle of the inner way of the first wall of the temple to worship God Marudapperumaan is called as Aswamedha pratakshinam. People who do this after worshipping God Muruga get auspicious results. The prayer duration during the circling should be one half and quarter mandalams. Also one should take 108, 24 or 7 circles.

About the Deity

The chief deity of this temple Mahalinga as God Shiva worshipped it himself and the consort is called Perunalamamulaiammai.

Legend and Stories

According to legend, famous sage Agasthya and some other sages had come to Itaimaruthur and had performed meditation on Goddess Umadevi. Goddess Uma Devi came in front of the sage. They worshipped her when she came and she went into the stage of Shivatapasya for the sages. God Shiva granted her a wish and appeared before them. He, then, started worshipping the Jyotilingam. Umadevi was surprised to see this. She asked him why he was worshipping himself to which God replied that the sages had forgotten to worship Gods and hence it was important. Since that day the sages started performing the worship according to the Law of Kaamika.

Festivals

The major festivals that are celebrated in this temple include Brahmmotsavam, Thiruvaathirai, Aadiporram, Karthigai, Pradosha days, Deepavalai, Pongal and Tamil/New Year Days.

Prasad & offering

Devotees offer abhishekam to God Shiva with milk, curd, panchamitram, rice flour, honey, tamarind, rice, sandal paste, rose water etc. Many devotees also offer white colored dhoti to the God and sari to Goddess and offer food to other devotees.

Significance

This shrine is considered to be very powerful. Devotees come here in large number. Mostly married people come here and pray with utter devotion so that they will have no problem in conceiving an offspring. Devotees who worship the chief deity in a proper way are blessed with happiness and relief from any kind of disease and sorrow.

Nearby Place To Visit

Some of the nearby prominent places to visit are Andalakkum Aiyan Temple, Padikasu Nathar Temple, Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal Temple, Gajendra Varadhan Temple, Appkudathan Temple and Adhivaraha Perumal Temple.

Accessibility

Road

Proper bus services to this temple are available from the Kumbakonam bus stand which is 9 km away from this temple.

Railways

The nearest railway station to this temple is Kumbakonam railway station.

Airport

The closest airport from this temple is Tiruchi airport.

Temple Address

Arulmigu Jothi Mahalinga Swami Tirukkoil,
Thiruvitaimaruthur - 612 104,
Thanjavur District.