| Description:
Kaalaiyar Koyil is a highly revered Shivastalam in Pandya Naadu. There are three shrines
in this temple associated with the three functions of creation, preservation and
completion. This shrine is regarded as the 10th of the
Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu. History: Sundaramoorthy Nayanaar and Varaguna Pandyan are
associated with this temple. Maruda Pandyar of the Sivagangai Samastanam (Kingdom) has
contributed immensely to the maintenance of this temple. The British threatened to destroy
this temple, in order to force the Marudu Brothers (rulers) who were devoted to this
temple to surrender. The tombs of the brothers who were executed later on are seen
near the temple.
Legends: Parvati is said to have been cursed to attain the form of the
dark Kali; she is said to have killed the demon Chandasuran (at Marudavanam) and gotten
relieved from the curse. Shiva is then said to have married her here and taken on the name
Kaaleesar.
The Temple: A lofty Rajagopuram (150 feet) and an imposing Teppakkulam
tank (with a mandapam) named Aanai madu adorn this shrine. Airavatam the elephant of Indra
is said to have created this tank.
Festivals: Kaaleesar's festival is celebrated in the month of Thai
where the chariot festival is observed during the Poosam asterism. Someswarar's
Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in Vaikasi; the float festival also happens then. Aadi Pooram
is celebrated for Swarnavalli amman.. |
