Melanallur Mahadeva Swamy Temple (Nadanar Sthalam), Nagapattinam

Address

Melanallur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,

Nagapattinam District – 609 112

Mobile: +91 98433 79617

Moolavar

Mahadeva Swamy

Amman

Gnanambigai

Introduction

The Mahadeva Swamy Temple, located in Melanallur Village in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India, is a place of great religious and historical significance.The Mahadeva Swamy Temple is situated in Melanallur Village, which is part of the Mayiladuthurai Taluk in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Thiruppungur and 11 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai.

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deities:

Lord Mahadeva Swamy: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Mahadeva Swamy.
Goddess Gnanambigai: The mother goddess in the temple is called Gnanambigai.

Historical Significance:

The temple is considered an Avathara Sthalam of Nandanar, one of the celebrated Nayanmar saints. Nandanar was a devout devotee of Lord Shiva and played a crucial role in the revival of Shaivism.

Nandanar’s Role: Nandanar, also known as Tirunalaippovar, was a Nayanar saint and the only Dalit (“untouchable”) saint among the Nayanars. He is generally counted as the eighteenth in the list of 63 Nayanars. Nandanar’s life is marked by his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.

Miracles Associated with Nandanar: Nandanar’s life is associated with two miracles. In Sivalokanathar Temple, Tirupunkur, it is believed that his prayers moved a giant stone bull, which remains in a shifted position in the temple. He also ritually purified himself by fire at the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.

Accounts of Nandanar’s Life: The primary religious account of Nandanar’s life can be found in the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar, a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. Additionally, the Nandanar Charitram by the Tamil poet Gopalakrishna Bharati brought Nandanar’s tale to public attention. Gopalakrishna Bharati’s work added new elements to the story.

Puthiya Nandan: The short story “Puthiya Nandan” by Pudhumaipithan places Nandanar’s classical tale in a contemporary setting while alluding to the Dalit rights movements led by Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar E. V. Ramasamy.

Special Features

Temple Architecture: The Mahadeva Swamy Temple is a small east-facing temple with an entrance arch. Notable features within the temple complex include Nandi (the sacred bull) and Balipeedam (sacrificial altar) housed in a small mandapam immediately after the entrance arch. The temple lacks a Dwajastambam (flagstaff).

Sanctum Sanctorum: The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, Antarala (vestibule), and Artha Mandapam (hall). The Artha Mandapam follows the Vavvalanethi architectural style. Lord Mahadeva Swamy, the presiding deity, is enshrined in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam. Koshta idols of Dakshinamurthy and Brahma can be found around the sanctum walls.

Goddess Shrine: Mother Gnanambigai has her own shrine, which faces south and is located in the Artha Mandapam.

Shrine for Nandanar: A shrine dedicated to Nandanar is situated in the temple complex, immediately after the entrance on the left side. In this shrine, Nandanar is depicted in a worshipping posture, facing Lord Shiva with raised hands above his head. His shrine faces west, towards the sanctum.

Other Deity Shrines: The temple also has shrines for Selva Ganapthy, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Chandikeswarar, Kailasanathar, Mahavishnu, Bhoologanathar, Bairavar, Suryan (the Sun God), and Durga within the temple prakaram (enclosure).

Temple Tank: In front of the temple premises, there is a temple tank that adds to the overall ambiance of the temple complex.