Kailasanathar Temple (Malai Eswaran Temple), Nagapattinam
Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Nagapattinam Town in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is also called as Malai Eswaran Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Thiripurasundari. It is believed that this is one of the Mada temple built by Kochengata Chola.
Legends
Kailasanathar:
Sage Parasarar went on a Pilgrim Journey. He wished to see Lord Shiva of Kailash in Nagapattinam. The Himalaya Mountain has 16000 peaks. Here the Shiva (Kailasanathar) has 16 stripes around his body; each stripe representing 1000 Mountain peaks. This Linga was established by Parasara. He built a small hill for the Linga and named the Lord as Kailasanathar.
Mada Kovil:
Kochengat Chola was a Chola king and one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints) of Saivism. He is believed to have attained spiritual rebirth of a spider that fought with an elephant in its previous birth over the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. He had red eyes during birth as he remained in his mother’s womb a little longer. His mother, looking into the babies red eyes said Kochengkannano (in Tamil Ko=king, Cheng=red, Kan=eyes), which literally means king with red eyes and hence he was named Kochengat Cholan. After becoming a king, he followed Saivism and built 70 Maadakovils, temples with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola empire. It is believed that this is one of the temple built by him.
The Temple
There is no Rajagopuram at the entrance. There is an entrance with stucco image of Rishabaroodar. This is a Mada Koyil. The Nandhi and the Palipeedam are below. One should climb 18 steps to reach the Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar. Lord has 16 stripes around Lingam. Hence it is called as Shodasa Lingam. Mother is called as Thiripurasundari.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Nagapattinam Neelayadakshi Kayarohaneshwarar Temple, 700 meters from Anna Silai Bus Stop, 800 meters from Nagapattinam Railway Junction, 1 Km from Nagapattinam New Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Nagore and 145 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated in the heart of Nagapattinam Town. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagapattinam and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.