Mavattakudi Kailasanathar Temple – Thiruvarur

Address

Mavattakudi Kailasanathar Temple – Thiruvarur

Mavattakudi, Mannargudi circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610206

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Sivakamasundari

Introduction

• Location: The Mavattakudi Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Mavattakudi village, Mannargudi circle, in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu.
• Primary Deities:
  • Sri Kailasanathar (Lord Shiva)
  • Sri Sivakamasundari (Parvati)
• Village Setting:
  • Mavattakudi is a quaint village with two significant ponds, each associated with ancient temples.
  • A Perumal Temple is located by one pond, while this Shiva Temple is situated by the other.
• Architectural Orientation:
  • The temple is west-facing, a unique feature in temple architecture, and houses idols believed to be thousands of years old.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • Inscriptions found at the temple reference Tribhuvana Chakravarttitri Bhuvanaviradeva and mention a temple-related activity from the 33rd AD, likely indicating the era of the Chola dynasty.
  • The temple is estimated to belong to the 12th-13th century based on these inscriptions.
• Sanctum and Deity Alignment:
  • The sanctum housing Lord Kailasanathar faces east.
  • Ambigai (Sivakamasundari) faces south, symbolizing her nurturing aspect.
  • A small Nandi is positioned facing the Lord, signifying devotion and vigilance.

Special Features and Deities

• Main Sanctum and Koshtam Deities:
  • Tenmukan Durga resides in the sanctum along with Lord Kailasanathar, reflecting her protective aspect.
  • Vinayaka (Ganapati) and Sundar Subramani are enshrined in the temple’s prakaram.
  • Kalabhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, is located in the northeast corner, symbolizing time and justice.
  • Surya (Sun God) resides in the southern part of the temple premises.
• Temple Structure:
  • The prakaram (circumambulatory path) is fully enclosed, giving the temple the appearance of a massive covered mandapam.
  • The architectural design enhances the sanctity and creates an intimate spiritual atmosphere.

Significance

• Devotional Importance:
  • The temple serves as a focal point for the local community’s spiritual practices and rituals.
  • Worship at this temple is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings from Lord Shiva and Mother Sivakamasundari.
• Historical Value:
  • The temple’s inscriptions and ancient idols make it a valuable site for historical and cultural studies.

Century/Period

12th-13th century.

Nearest Bus Station

Mavattakudi

Nearest Railway Station

Mannargudi, Tiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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