Mahadeva
Swamy Temple, Melanallur,
Nagapattinam
Mahadeva Swamy Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Melanallur Village in
Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is
called as Mahadeva Swamy and Mother is called as Gnanambigai. The Temple is
considered as Avathara Sthalam of Nandanar, one of the celebrated Nayanmar. Melanallur
was called as Adhanur during ancient times.
Legends
For brief details, please
refer below link;
History
The temple was
believed to be built during 10th Century by Cholas. The
Temple was renovated during 16th Century by Nayaks.
The
Temple
This is a small east facing
temple with an entrance arch. Nandhi and Balipeedam are housed in a small
mandapam immediately after the entrance arch. There is no Dwajastambam. The
Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, Antarala and Artha Mandapam. The
Arthamandapam is of Vavvalanethi type. Presiding Deity is called as Mahadeva
Swamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamurthy
and Brahma are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Mother is called as Gnanambigai.
She is housed in a separate south facing shrine located in Artha Mandapam. There
is a shrine for Nandanar in the prakaram. It is situated on the left side
immediately after the entrance. Nandanar is in worshiping posture facing Lord
Shiva with raised hands above the head. His shrine is facing west towards sanctum.
There are shrines for Selva Ganapthy,
Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Chandikeswarar,
Kailasanathar, Mahavishnu, Bhoologanathar, Bairavar, Suryan and Durga in the
prakaram. The Temple Tank is situated in front of the Temple premises.
Temple
Opening Time
The Temple remains open from
08.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 07.00 PM.
Contact
Mahadeva Swamy Temple,
Melanallur, Mayiladuthurai
Taluk,
Nagapattinam District – 609
112
Mobile: +91 98433 79617
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
10 Kms from Thiruppungur, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai
Old Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Mayiladuthurai New Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai
Junction Railway Station, 14 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil, 20 Kms from Sirkazhi,
42 Kms from Chidambaram, 69 Kms from Nagapattinam and 140 Kms from Trichy
Airport. Take Town Bus 4B from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand (Timings: 06.00
AM, 10.00 AM and 05.00 PM) to reach this Temple.
Location 
