Ayyar Malai Sri Rathinagiriswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Ayyar Malai Sri Rathinagiriswarar Temple, Ayyarmalai Saiyam Mail, Vaiganallur Trichy District PH:04323-245522

Diety

Rathnagirinathar, Amman: Surumbarkuzhali

Introduction

The temple graced by Lord Anugnai Vinayaka has its Vimana – tower above the sanctum sanctorum – is of Tridala design. The Rajagopuram has five tiers. Lord Shiva is facing north while Lord Dakshinamurthy on the Koshta (wall around the sanctum) is facing south. Lord Chandikeswara is facing west against traditional south and Lord Brahamma east against north.

Puranic Significance

As per mythology, a King from North came to this place in search of gem stones ( rathinam ). The Lord took the form of a Brahmin and asked the King to fill a tub with Cauveri water and take bath. Despite his best efforts, the King could not fill the tub. The King became angry and hit against the Brahmin. The Lord appeared before the King and stopped the sword ( in Tamil Vaal means sword and pokki means remove) and gave darshan and the gem stone. Since Shiva stopped the vaal, the place is known as Vaal pokki ( in Tamil, Vaatpokki ) and as the Rathinam was given, He is known as Rathinagiriswarar. Even today, the scar mark due to the sword is seen on the Lingam.

Festivals

On Mondays during the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is also believed that Lord Shiva here is worshipped by lightening once in 12 years Kartikai Deepam. During Thai Poosam,Arudra Darisanam, and Aadi Perukku.