Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex, Pudukottai

Address

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex, Malaikoilpatti, Thirumayam Taluk Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu 622404

Deity

Shiva, Murugan

Introduction

• Location: Malaiya Kovil Village near Nachandupatti, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Temple Complex: Consists of two groups:
  • Hill Temples (Mela Kovil): Dedicated to Lord Murugan.
  • Foot Hill Temples (Keezha Kovil): Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Accessibility: Located 2 km from Nachandupatti Bus Stop and 69 km from Trichy.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Importance:
  • The site is seen as the border between the Chola and Pandyan Kingdoms.
  • Southern cave temple faces west (Chola) and eastern cave temple faces east (Pandya).
• Inscriptions:
  • Earliest inscription from Kulothunga Chola II (1143 CE) mentions the village as Kulamangalam and the deity as Thiruvokalisvaramudaiya Nayanar.
  • Other inscriptions detail endowments and references to the deity as Srivaramudaiya Nayanar.
• Name Origin:
  • Initially called Malayil Kovil (Temple in the hill), now known as Malaiya Kovil, also referred to as Orukkombu Malai.

Beliefs

• Spiritual Practices:
  • Worshipping the west-facing Lord Shiva in the southern cave temple is believed to relieve Brahmmahathi dosha.
  • Worshipping Lord Shiva with Valampuri Vinayaga on Pradosham days is said to remove obstacles.
  • Devotees pray to Lord Murugan for childbirth.

Special Features

• Hill Temples (Mela Kovil):
  • Includes temples for Lord Murugan and Idumban, enclosed but separated by a wall.
  • Accessible via a paved incline and narrow flight of steps.
  • Features include a peacock (mount of Murugan), Balipeedam, and Dhwaja Sthambam.
  • The sanctum houses an image of Lord Murugan with consorts Valli & Deivanai.
  • A water hole called Saravana Poigai is located near the Murugan Temple.
• Foot Hill Temples (Keezha Kovil):
  • Comprises two rock-cut cave temples: southern cave temple (Okkaliswara Shrine) and eastern cave temple.
  • Southern Cave Temple:
    • Features sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam, and mukha mandapam.
    • Enshrines the Malai Kozhundeeswarar Linga.
    • Includes Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, and Bhairavar idols.
  • Eastern Cave Temple:
    • Sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga, excavated from the rock.
    • Features an inscription referencing a musical instrument named Parivathini.
• Temple Tank:
  • A massive tank situated between the two rock-cut shrines with steps on all four sides.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Thai Poosam: The most celebrated festival, attracting large crowds.
  • Other festivals include Thiruppadi Pooja, Panguni Uthiram, and Karthigai Deepam.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nachandupatti

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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