Melamathur Sokkanathar Shiva Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Melamathur Shiva Temple, Melamathur village, Sirkazhi circle Mayiladuthurai District

Diety

Sokkanathar, Amman: Meenakshi

Introduction

The bypass road divides from Chidambaram to the entrance to Sirkazhi. From there, take the Melamathur Road to the west, which is 5 km from Olayambudur, and can reach Melamathur next to Keelamathur. There is also a Shiva temple at Keelamathur. A stream separates the two towns. The Shiva temple at Melamathur has completely decayed and disappeared. It may have been one of the largest temples in the past. The villagers say that the temple has walls that enclose both a pond. What was found in its ruins was a large Shiva lingam and an aspiration. A local-born and out-of-towner has put up a tin shed at his own expense for the lingam that was left to be taken away by thieves to the beautiful idol of Ambika in the ponds. The Lord sits facing west and is blessed. In front is a goddess temple with a new look. # “With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.