- Shiva
Masilamaneeswarar Temple
- Tiruvavaduturai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Masilamaniswara Temple is situated in the village Thiruvaduthurai, located 22 km from Kumbakonam and 14 km from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is revered in the verses of Tevaram, the 7th century Tamil Saiva canon by Tirugnana Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar.
About the Temple
The temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram with elevated stone walls separating the second, third and fourth precinct. The images of the presiding deity, Masilamaniswarar, in the form of Shiva lingam occupies the main sanctum facing east. The shrine of the consort of Masilamaniswarar, Oppilamulaiyar faces west. The thirdprakaram has a separate shrine for the saivite saint Tirumular. The temple has three water bodies located at various places inside the temple. The Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam is located in the premises outside the fourth precinct. Presiding Lord of the temple is a swayambumurthy. Nandhi-the vehicle of Lord Shiva is big in size. Jeeva Samadhi of Saint Tirumoolar is in the temple.
About the Deity
The main deity in the temple is a Swayambu Lingam. It is also known as Arul Migu Gomuktheeswarar and his consort known as OPilA Ammai. Sthala vruksham is Palm tree. Teertham is Gomukhi teertham.
Legend and Stories
Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi were playing the dice in Kailash. At the end of each game, Lord Shiva was successively winning the game. As Parvathi grew angry, Lord cursed Her to become a cow on earth. Lord said that the curse would end at this place where she should perform penance. Ambica did penance as a cow here. Go in Sanskrit means cow. Mukti means relief. As the cow got the relief from the curse here, Lord Shiva is praised as Gomukti Easwarar – Lord who relieved the cow from its past curse.
Festivals
Purattasi Brahmmotsavam in September-October; Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and Shivrathri Annabishekam in February-March are the festivals observed in the temple.
Significance
Women approach the temple to pray for safety and longevity of their Mangalsutras-for the longevity of their husbands. They also pray for affinity between couples and for a child boon. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother offering vastras. People pray here for betterment of financial condition and to get rid of poverty.
Nearby Place to Visit
Kayaroganeswarar
Thanthondreeswarar
Neelakandeswarar
Pallavaneswarar
Aranyeswarar
Naganatha
Accessibility
The place is 16 km far from Mayiladuthurai on the Kumbakonam road. The devotee has to get down at Tiruvalangadu stop. The temple is just a kilo meter far from here. The nearest railways are in Narasingampettai and the nearest airports are in Trichy and Chennai.
Temple Address
Sri Masilamani Easwarar Temple,
Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam,
Thiruvavaduthurai – 609 803.
Nagapattinam dist.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.