Mamallapuram Mallikeswarar Temple, Kancheepuram

Address

Mamallapuram,

Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu– 603104

Moolavar

Sri Mallikeswarar

Amman

Sri Mallikeswari

Introduction

Mallikeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the heart of the city on West Raja Road, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu. Here the Presiding deity is called as Mallikeswarar and Mother is called as Sri Mallikeswari.

Puranic Significance

In the 7th century, the Pallava kings established Mamallapuram as a trade centre. During the reign of a Pallava king, Paranjyoti, who served as a minister, constructed this temple and conducted a morning ritual. This Shiva Lingam was built during the Pallava period. To the north of this temple is a separate shrine for the Goddess Mallikeswari. Similarly, there is a separate shrine for the Navagrahas to the opposite direction.

In the southern direction of the temple, there is a shrine for Murugar accompanied by Valli and Deivanai. In the northern direction, there is a shrine for Vinayagar, and there are shrines for Natrajar, Dakshinamurthy, and Sandikeswarar. Also, there are shrines for Appar, Sundarar, Manikkavacakar, and Thirugnana Sambandhar. A flagpole surrounded by a white fence and a bull sculpture can be seen in front of the temple. Beautiful colours adorn the walls, and there are intricate sculptures on the temple towers.

Belief

On the day of Adiperu, bangle bracelet abhishekam is performed for Goddess Mallikeswari. Then bangles will be given to the female devotees who come to the temple. It is a great belief of the devotees that if they worship the bow tree in this temple, they will get what they want.

Festivals

On Pradosha Day, Panchakavya Thirumanjana Abhishekam including milk, curd, panchamirtha and butter will be held for more than 1 hour till 5 am to the utsava murtis of Mallikeswarar, Mallikeswari and Navagraha, Vinayagar, Muruga, Nataraja starting at 4 pm. Then alms will be given to the devotees. During the swing service, Lord Shiva will appear with Parvati in the decorative kolam and bless the devotees.