Athalanallur Moondreeshwarar Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Athalanallur Moondreeshwarar Temple, Thirunelveli

Atthalanallur,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamilnadu

Moolavar

Moondreeshwarar

Amman

Maragadambika

Introduction

Moondreeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Athalanallur Village near Veeravanallur in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Moondreeshwarar and Mother is called as Maragadambika. It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva graces in the form of a Shiva Linga at Sanctum. The temple is said to be more than 1500 years old.

Puranic Significance

After Lord Shiva sent sage Agasthya to south to balance the ground level during Shiva-Parvathi wedding, many sages and Siddhas chose this place for their penance. Agasthya first landed at Pothigai Hills and came to this place for Shiva worship. Many followed then. Being so sacred with a congregation of enlightened souls, this place is praised as Siddhar Peetam.

Special Features

Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Athalanallur village, near Tirupudaimarudur
Often overlooked and difficult to locate
About 400 meters from Aadi Moolam Gajendra Varadan temple
East-facing temple without a tower
Features a beautiful Naalukal mandapa in front
Main shrine built in ‘maada kovil’ architecture
Sanctum sanctorum houses a small Shiva Linga named ‘Moondreeshwarar’
Goddess Maragadambika in a separate south-facing shrine
Ganesh and Subramanya idols placed inside due to poor maintenance
Prakara holds idols of various deities including Dakshinamoorthi, Chandikeswarar, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, and others
Rare depiction of Lord Dakshinamurthy
Western prakara features three small shrines with a Shivalinga and Nandhi in each
Intricate carvings and sculptures throughout the temple
Houses two samadhis of Siddhars
Three sub-shrines of Shiva Lingas contribute to the name ‘Moondreeshwarar’