Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple Thirumullaivoyal, Tiruvallur

SRI MASILAMANEESWARAR TEMPLE

Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

God

The names of Lord Shiva here is Mullaivananadar, Mullaivaneswarar, Yoodhika parameswarar, Maasilamaneeswarar. Shiva Lingam in sanctum sanctorum is facing East direction. Lord Shiva in the form of lingam, and Swayambhoo lingam.

Goddess

Here name of the Goddess Parvathi is Ambal Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi is Consort of Lord Shiva.

Interesting Facts

The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar. This is the 22nd of the 32 Thevara Sthalams in the Thondai region of South India. As no abishek is performed to the lingam.
A Padarasa Lingam (Mercury lingam) is placed in a separate shrine for pujas. This Rasalingam – a lingam made out of Mercury and Silver that is kept in the sanctum. The Nandhi, bull vehicle of Lord Shiva accompanied a king in his war against demons. Hence Nandhi is not facing the lord, but looking at the opposite direction.
There are shrines for Sri Kusalapureeswarar and Sri Cholapureeswarar in the corridors and these lingams are believed to have been worshipped by Lava and Kusha - the sons of Lord Rama.

Best Season To Visit

The best season to visit this temple is Winter season. The best months to visit are September to February.

Weather

Highest - April to June (38°C during day and 26°C during night)Average - May (33.7 °C during the day and 21 °C during night)Lowest - October to February (26 °C during day and 17 °C during night)Monsoon season - (June to September)

Dress Code

For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
These rules are applicable for foreigners also. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
Pilgrims/visitors will not be allowed inside the temple if dress code is not followed.

Do's & Dont's

Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.

Smoâ€‹king is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.

transport connections

Name	Distance	Contact Number
Ambattur O.T. Bus Stand	27.4 KM	9677003325
Ambattur Railway Station	26.5 KM	139
Chennai International Airport	27.3 KM	044-22561122

Railway Station Name	Distance	Contact Number
Ambattur Railway Station	26.5 KM	139

Airport Name	Distance	Contact Number
Chennai International Airport	27.3 KM	044-22561122

Architecture

Masilamaniswara, the Lord (Eswara) who is as precious as a gem, but without stains (Maasu-dirty or stain (caused by the profuse bleeding), Ila - without, Mani - gem). The temple is facing East direction and Dravidian style of architecture.

The Raja gopuram is of 5-tiers, Southern entrance to the temple. Even though there is another entrance in the East direction and it is closed. There is a dhwaja stambham in front of temple. The vimana (roof) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special way that is exclusive to Pallava architecture. It is built on a circular base and is known as Thoonganai Maadam in Tamil (Thoong (um) - sleeping, Aanai - elephant, Maadam - top of a building or temple) or simply, a building that looks like the rear of a sleeping Elephant. In Sanskrit, this style is called as Gaja Brushtam, that looks like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - Elephant, Brushtam - rear). Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Vishnu in place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are the Koshta idols surrounding the sanctum. At the entrance of Masilamaniswara, Dwarapalakas idols look beautiful and magnificent. Vishnu is found along with his consorts near Dwarapalakas.

Inscriptions from the period of Utthama Chola, speaking of Sembian Mahadevi's in 10th century endowments to this temple are seen in this temple. There is a 16 pillar mandapam in front of the South tower, two pillars made of the tree trunk of Vellerukku (white crown flower - Calotropis gigantea). These pillars can be seen even today placed on both sides, decorating the sanctum sanctorum of the lord. These pillars are 11 feet high and have a perimeter of about 2.5 feet. Kalyana theertham, Agni theertham, Subramanya theertham and river Palaru are the theerthams associated with the temple.

Religious Significance

The Shiva Lingam is found in mullai creepers when a king cleared the creepers which entangled the feet of his elephant. The king installed the Shiva lingam and by the grace of Shiva was victorious in war. In ancient times, the forest surrounding Tirumullaivayil was occupied by two notorious tribesmen, Vaanan and Onan from the Kurumbar tribe. King Thondaiman, ruler of the land, wanted to put an end to their atrocities. All his attempts went futile and finally he decided to defeat them in war. He set out for the war with all his infantry and cavalry with elephants and chariots. Enroute to the war, they waded through a dense growth of Mullai plants (Jasmine climbers). The foot of the elephant on which he was mounted was entangled in the dense foliage. The king and his men, in an attempt to free the elephant from this mess, went on to cut the wild twines with their swords and daggers. Suddenly they noticed blood gushing out from the leaves and found a 'lingam' bleeding. Shocked, the king was in great distress that he has committed a sin. Seeking mercy and forgiveness from Lord Shiva, he prayed to him. Without any delay Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared before the king lest he indulge in causing self-inflicted injury out of grief. The lord asked the king to build a temple for him. It is believed that the lord also promised to support him in destroying the Kurumbars by sending his holy steed, the Nandi bull. On his orders, the Nandi also gets ready to go and fight for the king. This is why the Nandi in this temple faces outwards, ready to leave for the battle on the orders of the lord, whereas in all other Shiva temples, it faces inwards facing the lord. The positions of the deities - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi (Kodiyidai Amman) is also found to be interchanged as against what is usually found in Shiva temples. It is believed to be so because the lord and his consort were in a hurry to give 'Darshan' (holy appearance) to the king. With the lord's blessings and Nandi's support, the king did win over the battle and proceeded to his capital. The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Sundarar. Addressing the lord “Pasupada Paranchudar” having his home in Tirumullaivayil, surrounded by fragrant gardens. The temple is built by king Thondaiman from 1000 years ago.

History

Tirugnanasambandar (7th century C.E.) has sung Thevaram hymns here at then Thirumullaivayal for the lord. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is believed that Lords Mahavishnu, Brahma, Murugan, Rama, Lakshmana, Krishna, Suryan, Chandran, Sages Bhrigu, Vashista, Sudama, Durvasar, and all the 27 Nakshatra (constellations) have worshiped the lord here and received his blessings. It is believed that sage Vashista performed penance here and got the divine cow Kamadenu as a reward for his devotion.

Temple Timings

Day	Timings
All Days	05:30 AM - 12:00 PM	04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Pooja

Name of the Pooja

Day

Timings

Persons

Duration

Price

Kala Santhi

All Days

07:30 - 08:00

Ushakalam Pooja

All Days

11:00 - 11:30

Sayaratchai Pooja

All Days

16:30 - 17:00

Artha Jamam Pooja

All Days

20:00 - 20:30

Tours

Airports

Airport Name	Distance
Shamshabad	40 KM
Lorem Ipsum	12 KM

Railway Stations

Railway Station Name	Distance
Secunderabad	10 KM
Nampally	12 KM
Begumpet	6 KM
Lingampally	20 KM

Bus Stations

Bus Station Name	Distance
MGBS	35 KM
CBS	28 KM
kukatpally	20 KM
Lingampally	30 KM
Uppal	35 KM

Private Transports

Transport Name	Distance	Contact Number
Private Transport	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757
Private Transport1	8 KM	9546858757