Thirumeni Azhagar Temple,
Mahendrapalli, Mayiladuthurai
Thirumeni Azhagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahendrapalli Village in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thirumeni Azhagar / Soma Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Vadivambigai. The temple is situated on the southern banks of Kollidam river. Mahendrapalli was also called as Mayendirapalli and Koyiladippalayam.
This Temple is considered as one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram hymns. This Temple is the 60th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 6th sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnana Sambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Arunagirinathar has praised Lord Muruga of this temple in his Thirupugazh Hymns.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/12/mahendrapalli-thirumeni-azhagar-temple.html
History
The Temple might have been built during 6th century CE. The Temple was reconstructed by Cholas in 10th century CE and was extensively renovated by Pandyas and Marathas. The last consecration ceremony was performed on 22 January 1999. The temple arch was constructed to commemorate the consecration ceremony. It is said that Robert Clive, first British Governor of the Bengal Presidency, destroyed a fort of a local king (Pichavaram Jamin, descendent of Cholas) near to this Temple. The place where the fort once stood is called as Theevu Kottai even today. A bronze idol of Nataraja excavated from Theevu kottai is kept in this temple.
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/12/mahendrapalli-thirumeni-azhagar-temple_34.html
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 10.00 a.m to 12.00 noon and
6.00 p.m to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
Thiru Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Margazhi Thiruvadhirai
(Dec-Jan), Masi Maha Shivrathri (Feb-Mar) and Panguni Uthiram & Surya Pooja
(Mar-Apr) are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. Monthly
pradoshams are also observed here.
Literary Mention
For brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/12/mahendrapalli-thirumeni-azhagar-temple_22.html
Prayers
Those suffering from the evil results of past birth and those
facing adverse effects due to Sun & Moon aspects in their horoscopes have a
dip in the Brahma Theertham in the temple for remedies. As the theertham is
attributed to Lord Brahma, it is believed that Lord Brahma would amend the
destiny of the devotee favorably. Devotees also pray for relief from snake
aspects and to gain excellence in academic pursuit.
Contact
Thirumeni Azhagar Temple,
Mahendrapalli, Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District – 609 101
Phone: +91 4364 292 309
Mobile: +91 97511 00938
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Achalpuram, 11
Kms from Kollidam Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Kollidam Railway Station, 21 Kms from
Sirkazhi, 22 Kms from Chidambaram, 46 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 182 Kms from
Trichy Airport and 231 Kms from Chennai Airport. Devotees need to travel in
Chidambaram to Sirkazhi route, take the left road leading towards Mahendrapalli
and travel for another 11 Kms to reach this temple. Buses are available from
Chidambaram, Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai.