Muttam Nageswarar Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Muttam Nageswarar Temple, Coimbatore

Muttam, Coimbatore District,

Tamil Nadu 641109

Moolavar

Nageswarar

Amman

Muthu Vali Amman

1. Introduction:
   • Located around 30 km from Coimbatore, on the route to Poondy, near Vellingiri Hills.
   • To reach the temple, one must alight at Kottaikadu bus stop and walk.
   • The temple is dedicated to Shri Muthuvali Ambal and Shri Nageswarar (Shiva).
   • The name “Muttam” refers to a flat stretch of land that ends at the foothills of Vellingiri, giving rise to the name.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • Situated at the foothills of Vellingiri, Muttam is known as the “Kailas of the South” (Thenkayilai).
   • The temple is the origin of Kanchima Nadhi, which joins Noyyal River and flows up to Karur.
   • Historical records suggest the Chola kings built 36 Shiva temples, starting from Muttam to Karur.
   • The area was originally called “Amara Puyanga Nallur Chaturvedhi Mangalam,” surrounded by forests and a fort, with a nearby tank.
   • Despite receiving royal patronage, the temple declined due to neglect, foreign invasions, and confusion over land grants.
   • It is believed that funds from this temple were used in the construction of the Perur temple.
   • After centuries of neglect, a restoration effort began in the 1990s, led by Shri I. Ramaswamy. The temple was consecrated in 1998, with a further consecration in 2011.
3. Beliefs:
   • The temple is particularly associated with remedies for the adverse effects of the planets Rahu and Ketu.
   • Devotees light deepas on the Adisesha pillar during the Karthikai Deepam festival (November-December).
4. Special Features:
   • The Lingam at the temple features a serpent symbol, and there are serpent marks on the body of the Lingam.
   • The Deepa Stampa, which represents five-headed serpents, is illuminated during the Karthikai Deepam festival.
   • It is believed that a serpent from Kanchama Nadhi worships the Lord at midnight, and Naga Kannikas bring water from the stream to perform Abhisheka.
   • The original Lingam was square-shaped, later replaced with a round Lingam with a serpent offering shade above it. The Lord is known as both Nageswarar and Nagalingeswarar.
   • The Ambal, Muthuvali Amman, is said to be one of the most beautifully carved idols of the Mother, possibly sculpted by the same artist who created the Madurai Meenakshi idol. Ambal is depicted with intricate jewelry and a Neelotpava flower in one hand.
   • There are separate shrines for Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Bhairavar, and the Navagrahas.
5. Festivals:
   • The temple is particularly revered for its association with remedies for Rahu and Ketu.
   • The Karthikai Deepam festival is a major occasion, during which lamps are lit on the Adisesha pillar.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Muttam

Nearest Railway Station

Coimbatore

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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