Thirukameswarar Temple, Kali, Mayiladuthurai

Thirukameswarar Temple, Kali, Mayiladuthurai

Thirukameswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kali Village in Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Thirukameswarar. There are two goddesses namely Abhirami and Balasugambal in this temple. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Pazhavar River.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2023/03/thirukameswarar-temple-kali-legends.html

History

This temple is believed to be built by Chola King Rajaraja Chola II in 11^th century CE. An inscription dating back to 1073 CE (21^st regnal year) of Chola King Rajaraja Chola II records the grant of land to this temple. This inscription can be seen on the southern wall of the sanctum.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with three tiered rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the rajagopuram facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Thirukameswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam.

Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. There are two goddesses namely Abhirami and Balasugambal in this temple. There is a separate south facing shrine for goddess Balasugambal in the maha mandapam. Her shrine consists of sanctum and ardha mandapam.

Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. The ardha mandapam is designed to look like the forehead of a bat (Vovval Nethi Mandapam). She is four-armed holding lotus & aksha mala in her upper hands and shows varada & abhaya hastha in her lower hands. There is a separate east facing shrine for goddess Abhirami in the temple premises.

There is a separate shrine for Nithya Kalyana Perumal with his consort Adhi Varaha Bhoodevi in the temple premises. Shrines of Vinayaga, Ashtabhuja Maha Kali, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Surya, Bhairava and Navagrahas can be seen in the temple premises. There is a temple tank situated in front of the rajagopuram. Sthala Vriksham is Pavazha Malli.

Festivals

Masi Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) Aadi Pooram & Amavasya (Jul-Aug) and Pournami are the festivals celebrated here. Monthly pradoshams are also observed here.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for marriage boon, business development, relief from menstrual problems and excellence in education.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Korukkai, 7 Kms from Thirumanancheri, 9 Kms from Villiyanallur, 9 Kms from Nidur, 10 Kms from Manalmedu, 10 Kms from Kuthalam, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 33 Kms from Kumbakonam and 134 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated at about 9 Kms to the west of Nidur on Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu route.

Location