Ambasamudram Sri Mayileri Murugan Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Ambasamudram-Alangulam Rd, Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu 627401

Sri Mayileri Murugan

Valli, Deivanai

Location:

Located in Ambasamudram Circle, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
The temple is situated on a hilltop, with 500 steps leading to the temple.
At the foot of the hill is the Chinna Pillaiyar Temple.

Deity: The presiding deity is Mayileri Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Murugan is depicted with a peacock vehicle at the wedding ceremony with the goddess.

Puranic Significance:

The temple’s origin is tied to the construction of the port at Thoothukudi. Workers, engaged in cutting rocks, prayed to Lord Murugan for relief from their fatigue.
The workers often inscribed “Om” on the rocks, and a peacock would appear daily, dancing and spreading its wings over the rock where they worshipped.
People later discovered the rock carvings and decided to build a temple, thus giving rise to the Mayileri Murugan Temple.

Beliefs:

The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old.
To the south of the temple, there is a rock sculpture made by the workers. The rock at the back resembles Nandi sitting naturally.
A large Shiva lingam, believed to have been brought from Kasi, is worshiped near the temple.

Special Features:

The temple is famous for the rock sculptures and the natural formation of Nandi in the rock.
The Shiva lingam brought from Kasi adds to the temple’s sanctity.

Festivals:

Full Moon Night: The Anointing Ceremony for Sage Agastya and Deeparadhana takes place.
Karthika Star and Sashti Tithi: Special worship and anointing for Mayileri Murugan.
Vaikasi Visakha: A significant annual worship celebration.