Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukottai

Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple, Thirumayam, Pudukottai

Rock Cut Shiva Cave Temple is a Hindu Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirumayam Town in Thirumayam Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is situated in the higher level inside the Thirumayam fort.

History

This cave temple might have been excavated in 6^th century CE by the Pallavas.

The Cave Temple

This cave is excavated on the western facade of the hill. It is situated at about 10 metres height from ground level. The cave can be reached through a ladder provided by ASI. It is a simple cell with its entrance door having three bands with rectangular bordered panel at the jambs. There is a rectangular panel located to the north of the door. This panel is probably for the label inscription similar to the one found in the Satyagireeswarar Cave Temple. However, the label inscription is absent here. The cell enshrines a rock cut Shiva Linga placed over a square avudaiyar, excavated from the mother rock. The water outlet spout is situated in the north and is supported by a bhoothagana.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Thirumayam Bus Stand and 1.5 Kms from Thirumayam Railway Station. Thirumayam is located at about 10 Kms from Kanadukathan, 14 Kms from Viralimalai, 19 Kms from Pudukkottai, 22 Kms from Karaikudi, 25 Kms from Tirupattur, 28 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 37 Kms from Aranthangi, 62 Kms from Trichy Airport and 72 Kms from Trichy. Thirumayam is situated on Pudukottai to Karaikudi route.

Location

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex, Pudukottai

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex, Pudukottai

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex is a group of Hindu Temples located in Malaiya Kovil Village near Nachandupatti in Thirumayam Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple complex mainly consists of two temple groups namely Hill Temples (Mela Kovil) and Foot Hill Temples (Keezha Kovil). The Foot Hill Temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva while the hill temples is dedicated to Murugan.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/11/malaiya-kovil-temple-complex-history.html

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/11/malaiya-kovil-temple-complex-temple-complex.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Festivals

Thai Poosam is the most famous festival celebrated here. It attracts huge number of devotees from nearby districts. Thiruppadi Pooja, Panguni Uthiram and Karthigai Deepam are also celebrated here. Girivalam is performed during Pournami in this temple. Devotees circumbulate the hill in Pournami.

Prayers

It is believed that by worshipping west facing Lord Shiva in southern cave temple will relieve one from Brahmmahathi dosha. By worshipping Lord Shiva along with Valampuri Vinayaga on Pradosham days would remove obstacles in their works. Devotees pray to Lord Murugan for child birth.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nachandupatti Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Nachandupatti, 10 Kms from Namanasamudram, 10 Kms from Namanasamudram Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thirumayam, 17 Kms from Pudukkottai, 24 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 59 Kms from Trichy Airport, 69 Kms from Trichy and 102 Kms from Madurai. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Nachandupatti on Pudukkottai – Namanasamudram – Ponnamaravathi route.

Location

Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Melachery Village near Gingee Town in Gingee Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was called as Shikari Pallaveswaram in ancient times. Presiding Deity is called as Mathaleswarar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple was called as Sri Shikarai Pallaveswaram as per the inscription on the northern wall of the cave temple. Though the name of the temple has Pallava in it, the cave temple did not follow any of the Pallava architectural style. The inscription mentions a king named Chandraditya. This King is not identified with any Pallava Kings. He might be the vassal of Pallava King. Shikari mentioned in the inscription might be the wife of the Pallava Vassal, Chandraditya. She would have excavated this cave temple named after his Pallava Overlord.

The Temple

This cave temple is excavated in the western face of a small granite boulder, located to the north of the village. The Temple is popularly known as Mathaleswarar Temple by locals. This cave temple is facing towards west. A stone Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found outside facing the sanctum. The rock cut cave shrine is hidden by a newly built Mandapam from the ruins of an earlier Mandapam.

The Sanctum Sanctorum (Cave Temple) consists of Sanctum and Mukha Mandapam. The Mukha Mandapam consists of two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars and pilasters are square in shape. This arrangement divides the cave into three partitions of equal size. Presiding deity is called as Mathaleswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

The Lingam and Avudaiyar are carved from the living rock, a feature never seen in Pallava Cave temples. There is a lotus carved on the ceiling just above this Lingam. There are no Dvarapalas guarding the sanctum. Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi and is facing south. She is carved on the northern wall of the cave and housed inside a niche. This carving looks like later addition.

There is a carving of Lord Ganesha in the southern wall of the cave temple. There are few shrines built opposite near to this cave temple. There are shrines for Lord Murugan, Ganesha and few other gods facing the cave temple. There is a huge pond in front of the cave temple. A newly built Murugan temple can be seen in the nearby hill top.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Singavaram, 6 Kms from Gingee, 6 Kms from Gingee Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Malaiyanur, 34 Kms from Thindivanam, 35 Kms from Thindivanam Railway Station, 41 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 47 Kms from Villupuram and 139 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Gingee to Malaiyanur route.

Location

Pandava Cave Temple, Arakandanallur, Kallakurichi

Pandava Cave Temple, Arakandanallur, Kallakurichi

Pandava Cave Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Arakandanallur near Thirukovilur Town in Thirukovilur Taluk in Kallakurichi District of Tamil Nadu, India. This Temple is situated in the rock boulder below Rajagopuram of Arakandanallur Atulya Nadheswarar Temple. This rock cut temple is considered as the south most rock-cut cave temple of Pallavas, with the solitary exception of Tiruchirappalli. The Temple is situated on the banks of Thenpennai River.

Legends

As per legend, Pandavas stayed in Arakandanallur for few days during their exile. It is said that Pandavas stayed in the caves near water tank. There are five cells in this cave temple, which were used by each Pandavas. The water tank is said to have been created by Bhima with his mace. Hence, the tank came to be called as Veeman Kulam (Bheema Kulam). There are two Sunais (water streams) named as Draupadi Theertham and Pandava Theertham, on the hillock, are said to have been used by Pandavas and Draupadi. Pandavas worshiped Lord Shiva here and got back their kingdom.

The Temple

This Temple is considered as fine specimen of early Pallava rock cut temple. This rock cut cave temple consists of five cells, which were used by each Pandavas.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Thirukovilur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thirukovilur, 3 Kms from Thirukovilur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Villupuram, 47 Kms from Kallakurichi and 180 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Thirukovilur to Villupuram Route. Buses running to Thirukovilur from Villupuram pass through Arakandanallur. 

Location

Suruli Velappar Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni

Suruli Velappar Temple, Suruli Malai, Theni

Suruli Velappar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Suruli Velappar / Suruli Andavar.  The Temple is also called as Suruli Andavar Temple. This is a hill temple.

Suruli Malai was also called as Suruthi Malai in ancient times. The Temple is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Bhooda Narayana Swamy Temple. The hill has many water resources with rich medicinal properties coupled with religious importance. The place is historically known as Neduvel Kundram, Hill of Lord Muruga.

The Temple

This is a cave temple situated in Suruli Malai. The cave is of OHM mantra letter shape with a rock having the foot lines-rekhas of dancing Kannimars. Presiding Deity is called as Suruli Velappar / Suruli Andavar. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vinayaka are in the sanctum sanctorum along with Lord Velappar. There are shrines for Agasthya, Saptha Kannigais, Naga Devatas, Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Santhana Krishna, Valli and Veerabahu in the Temple premises.

There are many caves here as Vibhuthi Guhai, Sarpa Guhai, Pattaiya Guhai, Krishnan Guhai and Kannimar Guhai. Each cave has a holy spring-Theertham. The wet sand when dried becomes Vibhuti the sacred ash. A tree had become rock due to the perennial flowing of water on it. Tree leaves and stems become a rock if placed under water for 48 days. No rock is slippery despite water flowing on them forever. Theertham associated with this Temple is Surabi Theertham.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. in the mornings to 4.00 p.m. in the evenings

Festivals

Chithirai Utsavam in April-May; Aadi 18 celebrations in July-August; New Moon days in Aadi and Thai month (July-August and January-February respectively) Thai Poosam in January-February; Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January; Shivrathri in February-March, Aadi Pooram, Vaikasi Visakam, Purattasi Mahalaya Amavasya and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

For freedom from sins committed, devotees carry milk pots, perform special abishekam to Lord, tonsure and bathe in Surabi River gaining benefits of a peaceful life. All physical problems and diseases will disappear. The river has rich herbal properties. It is the faith of the devotees that they would attain salvation if they perform penance here. People perform special abishekam to Lord and feed the poor – Annadhanam. Sweet pudding-Sarkarai Pongal is offered as nivedhana to Lord Muruga here.

Contact

Suruli Velappar Temple,

Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,

Theni District – 625 521

Mobile: +91 73733 62838 / 97903 55234

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Suruli Falls, 9 Kms from Cumbum, 10 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 26 Kms from Chinnamanur, 29 Kms from Kuchanur, 47 Kms from Theni, 48 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport. There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.

Location

Devanathar Temple, Devarmalai, Mallangudi, Pudukottai

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;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/04/devanathar-temple-devarmalai-mallangudi-legends.html

History

This rock cut cave temple assumed be built during 8^th 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 7^th Thirumurai in 12^th Patikam in 5^th 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.

Location