Melakottaivasal Malaieswaran (Kailayanathar) Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Melakottaivasal Malaieswaran (Kailayanathar) Temple, Nagapattinam

Melakottaivasal, Nagapattinam circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu

Moolavar

Malaieswaran

Amman

Sri Tripurasundari

Introduction                

• Location: Situated in Melakottaivasal, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, the Sri Malaieswaran Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Presiding Deities:
  • Sri Kailasanathar / Sri Malaieswaran (Lord Shiva)
  • Sri Tripurasundari (Parvati)
• Proximity to Notable Temples:
  • Approximately 250 meters from the Sri Neelayadhakshi Kayarohaneshwarar Temple, one of the 276 Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Temples.
• Unique Architecture: The temple belongs to the Mada Temples, characterized by elevated structures designed to protect against natural calamities like tsunamis.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Origins:
  • The temple is believed to have been originally constructed by Chozha King Ko Chenkat Chozha.
  • Historical evidence suggests it was part of a strategic construction of mada temples along the seashore to mitigate the impact of tsunamis.
• Inscriptions:
  • A Chozha-period inscription is found on a pillar near the Gajalakshmi sannidhi.
  • A Dutch inscription (1777 CE) records the temple’s reconstruction by Governor Reynier Van Vlisingen.
  • Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was last performed on 14th September 1997.
• Sacred Events:
  • The temple is closely linked to Parasara Maharishi, father of Veda Vyasa, who attained salvation after worshipping here.
  • Lord Shiva and Parvati are believed to have given Kalyanakola darshan here, making the temple a significant site for those seeking blessings for marital harmony and reunion.
• Saptha Sthanam:
  • The temple is part of the Saptha Sthanam temples around Nagapattinam, which include Poigainallur, Pappakoil, Sikkal, Palur, Vadakudi, Thethi, and Nagore.

Special Features

• Temple Layout:
  • The temple has an upper level for the main shrine and a lower level (Verruthalam) for subsidiary deities.
  • The sanctum sanctorum includes padma upanam, padabandha adhistanam, and is supported by Brahma Kantha pilasters.
  • The main deity, Moolavar (Dhara Lingam), is carved with 16 fluted surfaces on a circular avudayar.
• Unique Icons and Sculptures:
  • A sandstone lion with an eroded Uma Maheswarar relief is placed near the Rishaba mandapam.
  • Dakshinamurthy and Durgai Amman are enshrined in koshtam niches.
  • Manickavasagar, in anjali hastam posture, is near the Dakshinamurthy koshtam.
• Subsidiary Shrines and Deities:
  • Upper Level: Includes Tripurasundari, Annapoorani, and Parasara Maharishi.
  • Lower Level: Includes shrines for Vinayagar, Bhairavar, Suriyan, Juradevar, Natarajar, Maha Lakshmi, Saneeswarar, and Chandikeswarar.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • The entrance features stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, with Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar on either side.
  • 18 steps lead to the upper level, signifying its Mada Temple design.

Significance

• Devotees seek blessings for:
  • Marital harmony and reunion.
  • Marriage prospects.
  • General well-being and salvation.
• The temple’s elevated structure and historical significance make it an important site for both spiritual and architectural enthusiasts.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple