Mathalingeswarar Temple, Mathiravelur, Nagapattinam
Mathalingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Mathiravelur Village near Sirkazhi in Nagapattinam
District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Mathalingeswarar and Mother
is called as Sundaranayagi. It is believed that this is one of the Mada temple
built by Kochengata Chola. The Village was named after this Temple.
Legends
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.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Gopalasamuthiram,
8 Kms from Kollidam Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Kollidam Railway Station, 16 Kms from Sirkazhi,
17 Kms from Sirkazhi Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Sirkazhi Railway Station, 15 Kms
from Chidambaram, 16 Kms from Railway Station and 146 Kms from Trichy Airport.
The Temple is situated on Chidambaram to Sirkazhi Route. From Kollidam, take
branch road to Mathiravelur for about 8 Kms to reach this Temple. Nearest
Railway Stations are located at Kollidam, Sirkazhi and Chidambaram. Nearest
Airport is located at Trichy.
Location
