Irumbai Sri Mahaleswarar Temple, Villupuram

Address
Irumbai Shri Mahakaleswarar Temple, Irumbai Mahalam, Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 605 111 Tele: +91- 413 – 268 8943, 98435 26601.
Deity
Maakaleswarar Amman: Madurasundra Nayagi
Introduction
Irumbai Mahaleswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Irumbai in Vanur taluk in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Maakaleswarar. His consort is known as Kuyilmozhi Ammai. Thala Virutcham : Punnai Theertham : Makala Theertham
Puranic Significance
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Puranic Significance of Irumbai Mahakaleshwarar Temple
Origins and Name
The Irumbai Mahakaleshwarar Temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century by Chola King Kulothungan III. According to inscriptions on the temple’s stone walls, the village was originally called “Iruncheri.” Another belief suggests that the name “Irumbai” evolved from “Iluppai,” as the region was once densely populated with Iluppai trees.
Three Sacred Lingams
The temple is associated with the legend of Mahakala Rishi, a revered sage who installed three sacred Shiva Lingams during his pilgrimage:
- Ujjain Mahakaleshwar (North India – Vada Naadu)
- Ambar Makalam near Mayiladuthurai (South India – Then Naadu)
- Irumbai Mahakaleshwarar Temple (Central India – Nadu Naadu)
Due to this, Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Sri Mahakaleshwarar.
The Legend of Kaduveli Siddhar
One of the most fascinating legends associated with this temple is that of Kaduveli Siddhar, a renowned yogi who lived here about 500 years ago.
The Penance and the Drought
Kaduveli Siddhar performed intense penance under a peepal tree, meditating for days without food. The heat from his body became so intense that it affected nature—the rain clouds vanished, leading to a severe drought. The people suffered, and the news reached King Kulothungan, who ruled from Kottakkarai.
As no one dared to disturb the Siddhar, the King offered a reward to anyone who could break his penance.
The Role of Valli, the Temple Dancer
A temple dancer named Valli, a devotee of Lord Shiva, devised a plan. She observed that the Siddhar occasionally ate fallen peepal leaves. To trick him, she prepared salted papads (crispy wafers) and placed them near him.
Unaware, Siddhar consumed the salted papads, and over time, the salt brought him back to his senses. When he realized what had happened, Valli explained that his extreme penance had caused the drought, and now that his meditation was broken, the rain gods were relieved, and showers followed.
Temple Dance and the Siddhar’s Curse
To celebrate the end of the drought, a grand pooja was held at the temple. Valli was to perform the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Anantha Thandavam) and invited Kaduveli Siddhar to witness it.
During the performance, one of her anklets fell off, causing her to lose rhythm. Seeing Lord Shiva’s divine presence in her, Siddhar picked up the anklet and placed it back on her feet.
However, the crowd and even the King mocked him for touching a dancing girl’s feet. Enraged by their ridicule, Kaduveli Siddhar cursed the land, asking Lord Shiva to prove his innocence by causing a rain of stones.
The Broken Lingam and the Deserted Land
At that moment, the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum cracked into three pieces, and wherever the fragments fell, the land turned into a desert. This cursed land, known as “Kaduveli,” remains barren even today, 3 km from the temple.
Realizing their mistake, the King and the people begged for forgiveness. Siddhar, though unable to reverse the curse, prophesied that one day, people from distant lands would restore the barren land to its former greenery. Many believe that the Aurovilians in Auroville are fulfilling this prophecy today.
The Rejoining of the Lingam
The broken Shiva Lingam was eventually restored when Kaduveli Siddhar sang a divine hymn. The pieces miraculously joined together, and today, this ancient lingam continues to be worshipped at the temple.
Goddess Parvati and the Brahmahathi Dosham
Another legend states that two asuras (demons) worshipped Lord Shiva, seeking the boon of marrying Goddess Parvati. Furious, Parvati took the form of Maha Kali and destroyed them.
However, having taken a life, Parvati was afflicted with the Brahmahathi Dosham (sin of killing). To cleanse herself of this sin, she performed penance at Irumbai Mahakaleshwarar Temple, seeking Lord Shiva’s grace and eventual liberation from the dosham.
Beliefs
People pray to Lord Mahakaleswara for longevity. Innocent people blamed unjustly pray for the removal of such scars.
Special Features
Sri Vinayaka of the temple is worshipped as Lord Sundara Ganapathi. The vimana, tower above the sanctum sanctorum is of Ekadala design. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Gnanasambandar and Arunagiriar. Lord Nataraja graces from a shrine left of that of Ambica. His leg is seen slightlyfolded which is attributed to His pleasant state of mind. There is a fire circle around Lord Nataraja, Mother Shivakami, a rare darshan for the devotees. As this shrine is just before that of Ambica, the devotee can have the darshan of presiding Shiva, Nataraja and Ambica simultaneously. Behind is the shrine of Lord Muruga with six faces accompanied by His consorts Valli and Deivanai. Kalabhairava graces from a separate shrine facing south. Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Shivalinga in the temple is split into three parts with three faces. All the three faces are covered by a copper plate and pujas performed. It is said that the three faces represent three Lords Brhamma, Vishnu and Shiva. This form of Lord Shiva is very rare in temples.
Festivals
Masi Magam and Shivrathri in February-March, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Century/Period/Age
1000-2000 years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Irumbai
Nearest Railway Station
Villupuram
Nearest Airport
Puducherry