Mahalingeswarar Temple,
Thiruvidaimarudur – Etymology
Marudur is derived from the name of the holy tree,
namely Marudha. The Sthala
Vriksha (temple tree) is Marudha. This
temple is classified as Madhya Arjunam, called Idai
Maruthu meaning centre Marudur.
The Mallikarjuna swamy temples are Srisailam is called Thalai Maruthu (meaning top
Marudur) and Tirupudaimaruthur temple at Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district is called Kadai Maruthu (meaning lower
Marudur).
Since Shiva raised out as a flame to the sages, the
presiding deity is also referred as Jyothirmaya Mahalingam. It should be noted
that historically Shiva was worshipped as Jyothi, the sacred flame and with the
course of time, Jyothrilinga temples were developed. Since the place is full of Marudha
tree, Shiva is also referred as Marudavanan. The Sanskrit meaning of the word Marudha is Archunam,
deriving the Tamil name of Idaimaruthur against Mathiarchunam.