Sri Airavatheswarar Temple

Overview

Mela Thirumanancheri Iyravatheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Mela Thirumanancheri in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva. This sivasthalam temple is located very near to another paadal petra sthalam Tirumananjeri.This is the 24th sthalam on the northern side of river Cauvery.

The historical name of the place is Ethirkolpadi. Ethirkolpadi is the place Shiva was gotten by Bharatha Maharshi with the Poornakumbham, when he touched base for the marriage. On the other hand, this spot has a prior legend as well, as per which, Airavata, the white elephant of Indra implored Shiva at this spot. Henceforth, the principle divinity is called Airavateswarar and his consort is Malar Koozhal Nayaki.

This is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. Individuals sort out wedding gatherings in the tempke trusting that the couple would be near one another as God Shiva and Mother Parvathi .

About the Temple

It is believed that the Rajagopuram of the temple was built earlier by Mallappa Naicker. Presently it is a three tier structure facing east. Entering into the temple, there are the Balipeeta and the Kodimaram-flag post. Mother’s shrine is on the right of the front Mandap. Ambika is small in stature in a sitting posture. Presiding deity is just opposite. God Muruga, Naalvar the four Saivite saints, Mother Gajalakshmi, God Kala Bhairava and Sani Bagwan shrines are in the prakara. Gods Bikshadanar, Balaganapathi, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthi, Lingodhbava, Brahma, planet Rahu and Mother Durga are in the goshta walls. The holy tank of this temple is Iravadha Theertham.

It is trusted that the Rajagopuram of the temple was assembled before by Mallappa Naicker. In a matter of seconds it is a five level structure confronting east. Going into the temple, there are the Balipeeta and the Kodimaram-banner post. Mother's temple is on the front's privilege Mandap. Ambica is little in stature in a sitting stance. Directing divinity is simply inverse. Master Muruga, Naalvar the four Saivite holy people, Mother Gajalakshmi, Lord Kala Bhairava and Sani Bagwan places of worship are in the prakara. Masters Bikshadanar, Balaganapathi, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthi, Lingodhbava, Brahmma, planet Rahu and Mother Durga are in the goshta dividers.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Iyravatheswarar. His consort is known as Sugantha Kundalambikai of the fans appeal to God for recuperation of things lost, rebuilding of positions lost, those anguish from stomach issues and those for recuperation of misfortunes in business and confronting postponements in wedding matters. It is trusted that Lord would assuage them from their sufferings as He did on account of Indira and his Iravatha elephant.

Legend and Stories

Indira the ruler of Devas haughtily dismissed the festoon introduced to him by Sage Duruvasa. The laurel was the one offered to Lord Shiva in pujas. His Iravadham elephant too was just as impassive as its expert. Irate Sage reviled Indira that his head would be hacked off by a weapon in the hands of Pandya lord. Stunned and trembling, Indira looked for the wise's exoneration. The sage said his crown would tumble down sparing his head.

Iravadham came rational and meandered among numerous spots revering Lord Shiva lastly got mitigated of the condemnation in this spot. As Iravadha venerated Lord Shiva here, He is applauded as Iravada Easwarar. Mother is adored as Sugantha Kundalambika and Malar Kuzhal Nayaki in Tamil. Indira excessively got back his position.

Try not to alter your opinion, be resolved to love Lord at Ethirkolpadi" says Saint Sundarar in his commended psalms. It is paramount that that the Bhakti relationship between Lord Shiva and Sundarar was as one between chest companions. As Iravadham revered here, the sanctum sanctorum is sufficiently immense that an elephant can enter in it. Bharatha, as head cleric, directed the wedding of Lord and Mother at Tiruvelvikudi and welcomed them to his place Tirumananjeri. He organized a stupendous gathering to the celestial couple. He invited (Ethir Kollal in Tamil) the perfect couple with due distinctions. Subsequently, the spot is named as Ethirkol Padi. In a matter of seconds it is known as Melakoil.

Festivals

Chithirai Indira Vizha in April-May; Karthikai Mondays in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Thanks giving

Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Significance

Majority of the devotees pray for recovery of things lost, restoration of positions lost, those suffering from stomach problems and those for recovery of losses in business and facing delays in wedding matters. It is believed that Lord would relieve them from their sufferings as He did in the case of Indira and his Iravadha elephant.

Accessibility

Airport

Nearest airport is in Tiruchi.

Railways

Nearest railway station is in Kuthalam.

Road

Kuthalam is on the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai road. Ethirkolpadi is 6 km from Kuthalam towards Tirumananjeri. Buses are available to the place both from Kuthalam and Mayiladuthurai.

Temple Address

Sri Iravadeshwarar Temple,
Mela Tirumananjeri,
Ethirkolpadi,
Nagapattinam district,
Pincode -609 813.