Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thavasi Medai – The Temple
The Temple is unique of the
presence of two Ambikas. Presiding deity, Lord
Mahalingeswarar graces facing east. In the shrine, right to him, there are two
Ambicas namely Maragathavalli and Manikkavalli. The
idols of Ambicas are smaller in size. They are close to the wall facing south.
The devotee has to peep closely into the shrine to have their darshan. They
represent two powers – Icha Shakti and Gnana Shakti. Worshipping them would
benefit the devotee with wisdom to know God.
Sage Bharadhwaja performed intense penance here
controlling his senses sitting on a platform. Hence, the place is known as
Odukkam Thavasi Medai meaning the platform where the sage sat to perform
penance. Sages worship Lord Shiva in a formless state. Therefore, to avoid any
likely interruption through women, the Ambicas are in a corner.
Bhairava shrine is generally on the northeast corner in
the temple. Here, He is just opposite Lord
Shiva. As Lord Mahalingeswarar is all
powerful, it is said that to protect the devotees from the scorching heat
(Ugra), Bhairava is installed here balancing the temperature. Bhairava here is
known as Aadhi Bhairava. There is a hole behind the Bhairava through which the
devotees worship Lord Shiva and Bhairava before entering the temple.
Following Shivarathri, the rays of Sun God continuously
fall on the Lord for thirty days during mornings and on Bhairava during the
evenings. There are two Peetas at the entrance of the temple attributed to sage
Bharadhwaja in the form so that the feet of the devotees may touch him. Jeeva
Samadhis of Surya Moorthy Swamy Siddhar & Maarimuthu Swamy Siddhar are
situated inside the Temple premises.
