- Shiva
Sri Veezhinatheswarar temple
- Thiruveezhimizhalai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Maapillai Swami Temple is located in Thiruvezhimizhalai and is dedicated to Maapillai Swami. Here, the God is seen with a flower bouquet in his hand and a bamboo in the other. Maappilai Swami is portrayed with Ambal to his right. God Shiva is depicted in two ways at the same Kshetra. At the moolasthanam, Balambikai is seen to the left to the God behind the Lingam. At the prakara, Thyagaraja and Kamalambikai are seen in the same peedam. In between, one can witness Maha Vishnu with Lakshmi and Dakshinamoorthy, installed in the next. He is portrayed in a sitting posture with his right leg placed on a lotus, but unlike the other temples, there's no banyan tree behind him. In general, every Shivasthala has Nandi and kodimaram, in front of the deity. But here, the Lingam faces moolasthanam. The mandapam facing Shiva Sannadhi is designed as the wedding dais. The belief is that after praying to Maappilai Swami, if we go around the pandakkal, the marriage will be settled soon.
About Deity
This special idol of swami and ambal is known as “mappilai swamy”. (Swami in bridal form). Swami and ambal were seen in this idol as newly married couples. This temple is also known as “Marriage Sthala”. Idols of Murugan, Ganapathi, Chandikeshwarar, Kala Bhairava and different types of lingams are located in the prakara.
Legend and Stories
Parvati is said to have been reborn as Katyayani and married Shiva here. Vishnu received Chakrayudam from Shiva here in lieu of the 1000 flower worship to Shiva. Once due to the reduction of a lotus flower in the count, Vishnu plucked one of his eyes and performed archana considering it as lotus flower. A panel depicting the divine marriage is seen behind the Shivalingam. The Moolavar vimanam is believed to be brought to here by Mahavishnu. When Appar and Sambandar visit this place, there was a severe drought all around. They prayed to Lord Shiva who gave Padikasu (Gold Coin) one each every day to both of them. Sambandar gets Padikasu at the Pedam in front of Mahamandapam. Navukarasar gets gold coin in the Pedam in Merkku (west) Pragaram. Using these gold coins, they offered food to the needy people. (In that sambandar got gold coins of more value and appar got coins of bit less value it seems).
Accessibility
It is well connected by road and railway, and the nearest airport is in Trichy.
Temple Address
Sri Veezhinatheswarar temple,
Thiruveezhimizhalai,
Tiruvarur Dist.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To get married soon
- For marital bliss
- To neutralize black magic effects
- To get cured of nervous disorders
Shlokas
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.
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.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.