| Description:
This is one of the Shivastalams in the vicinity of Chennai, near Avadi. It is considered
special to worship Kodiyidai Nayaki here and Vadivudai Nayaki at Tiruvotriyur on full moon days. Ramalinga Adigalar refers to
Shiva here as 'Mullaivayil Vaazh Masilamaniye'. Ten
Tirumullaivayil is another Shivastalam with the same name Mullaivayil, in
Chola Naadu. Tirumullaivayil is the 22nd of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the
Tondai region of South India. Legends: Nandi is said to have accompanied a devout King
Tondaimaan (Perumpaanaatruppadai of the Sangam Literature) in his battle, per the
grace of Shiva. The feet of his elephant supposedly got entangled with the mullai creeper
here; and when the obstacle was removed, the Shivalingam was revealed. Sundarar is
said to have worshipped here first after losing his eyesight.
The Temple: This temple with a gajaprishta vimaanam common to this
region occupies an area of about 1 acre . A grand Rajagopuram forms the southern
entrance to this temple visible from a distance. The sanctum here has been in worship
since the Sangam period. There are shrines to Rishabantikadevar, Natarajar and
Bhikshatanar here. Elements of Pallava architecture are seen in this temple as in the lion
pillars in the Vinayakar shrine. The nandi faces away from the sanctum in keeping with the
legend. There are two Erukku pillars in front of the sanctum. Inscriptions from the period
of Uttama Chola, speaking of Sembiyan Mahadevi's (10th century)endowments to this temple,
are seen in this temple..
Festivals: The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Vaikasi (Taurus), and Vasantha Utsavam in Aani. . |
