Tirumeni Azhagar Temple

Overview

Mahendrapalli is a Village in Kollidam Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India.

About the temple

There is a separate shrine for Lord Sri Vinayaka with Ragu and Ketu on both sides. Lord Muruga graces from His shrine with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. There are shrines of Sri Kasiviswanatha – Mother Visalakshi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Bhairavar and Saneeswarar-Saturn, Sun and Moon. There is no shrine for Navagrahas- 9 planets in the temple. Handsome Shiva is praised as Tirumeni Azhagar and Mother as Vadivambikai for their beauty. Saint Tirugnanasambandar addresses the Lord as Azhagar. Lord Vishnu in Madurai is also called Azhagar in Tamil and Sundararajan in Sanskrit. Lord Shiva is Azhagar in this temple. Lord Brahmma, Sun and Moon had worshipped in this temple. During the month of Panguni (March-April) the rays of Sun fall on the Lord. On the side wall of Shiva Shrine, Lord Dakshinamurthy graces. Saint Tirugnanasambandar has praised the Lord in his Thevaram hymns. The tower is clothed by the clouds; Mayendirapalli has many palaces, tanks with blossoming Lotus flowers where the Lord is on His bull vehicle. Let us all prostrate on His feet. This is the sixth temple on the northern bank of Cauvery River praised in Thevaram hymns.

About the Deity

Sri Chandikeswara graces with his ensemble in the prakara. There is a distinct shrine for Lord Sri Vinayaka with Rahu and Ketu on both sides. Lord Muruga graces from His shrine with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. There are shrines of Sri Kasiviswanatha – Mother Visalakshi, MeenakshiSundareswarar, Bhairavar and Saneeswarar-Saturn, Sun and Moon. There is no shrine for Navagrahas- 9 planets in the temple.

Legend and Stories

For his wrong desire on Akalika wife of Maharshi Gautama, Indira was cursed by the Rishi to have eyes throughout his body. He came to Earth and prayed to Lord Shiva for relief in many places and this is one among them. As Indira – Maha Indira worshipped here the place came to be known as Mahendirapalli. A temple was erected here later.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January. Panguni Uthiram in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Sri Chandikeswara graces with his consort in the prakara.

Best Season to Visit

All

Photography

Not Allowed

Significance

Those suffering from the evil results of past birth (poorva janma karmas), those facing adverse effects due to Sun, and Moon aspects in their horoscopes have a dip in the Brahmma theertha in the temple for remedies. As the holy spring is attributed to Lord Brahmma the Creator, it is the faith of the people that Brahamma would amend the destiny of the devotee favourably. Devotees also pray for relief from snake aspects and to gain excellence in academic pursuit. Devotees pray with white clothes to the Lord and Yellow clothes to mother for developing a cosmetic look.

Nearby Places to Visit

Kayaroganeswarar
ThanthondreeswararNeelakandeswarar
PallavaneswararAranyeswarar
Naganathar

Accessibility

The visitor should reach Kollidam 12 km from Sirkali. The place is 10 km from Kollidam. As bus facility from Sirkali to Kollidam is limited, it is advisable to hire a cab from Sirkali to save time. The closest railway station is in Nagapattinam, and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Tirumeni Azhagar Temple,
Mahendirapalli – 609 101,
Nagapattinam district.