Devanathar Temple, Devarmalai,
Mallangudi, Pudukottai
Devanathar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Devarmalai Hills in Mallangudi
Village in Thirumayam Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Devanathar and Mother is called as Devanayagi. The Temple is
considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this
Temple. The Temple is considered as Avathara Sthalam of Perumizhalai Kurumba
Nayanar. Devarmalai was also called as Perumanallur and Mizhalai Naatu Mizhalai
during ancient times.
Legends
For brief details, please
refer below link;
History
This rock cut cave temple
assumed be built during 8th Century based on architectural style.
The
Temple
This is an east facing rock
cut cave temple situated on foot hills of Devarmalai Hills. This rock cut cave
Temple consists of front Mandapam, Cave and Sanctum. The Front Mandapam is of
later construction. Two Nandhis sharing same platform can be found in front of
the front Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Devanathar
and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Nandi
and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum.
Dwarapalakas can be found at
the entrance of the sanctum. Mother is called as Devanayagi. Her Idol is
situated in the front Mandapam. There is a Vinayaga Sculpture carved on the
rock in the cave temple. Sculptures of few sages were carved on the rock
surfaces. There is a Sculpture of Kurumba Nayanar carved on the cave. Also,
there is a Jeeva Samadhi, considered to be of Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar,
near to this cave temple.
There is an inscription etched
on the rock surface between the rock cut temple and Perumizhalai Kurumba
Nayanar Jeeva Samadhi. This inscription runs for 17 lines mainly talks
about the donation and gifts bestowed on the Lord and temple. Theertham
associated with this Temple is Deva Theertham.
Literary
Mention
The Temple is considered as
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about
this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7th Thirumurai in 12th
Patikam in 5th Song.
குழலை வென்ற மொழிமட
வாளையோர் கூறனாம்
மழலை ஏற்று மணாளன்
இடந்தட மால்வரைக்
கிழவன் கீழை வழிப்பழை
யாறு கிழையமும்
மிழலை நாட்டு மிழலைவெண்ணி
நாட்டு மிழலையே
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Nachandupatti,
13 Kms from Namanasamudram Railway Station, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai, 15 Kms
from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai New Bus Stand, 16 Kms
from Pudukkottai Old Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Thirumayam and 56 Kms from Trichy
Airport. The Temple is situated on
Pudukottai to Ponnamaravathi Route via Namanasamuthiram. Devotees after
crossing Namanasamuthiram and Peraiyur, take a right turn and travel for 2 Kms
to reach Devarmalai.