Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple- Maham Nakshatra

Address

Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple,Odukkam Thavasi Medai, Viralipatti, Via Natham-624 304, Dindigul District. Phone: +91 93624 05382 / 95782 11659

Deity

Mahalingeswarar Amman: Maragathavalli, Manickavalli

Introduction

• Located in Thavasi Medai Village, near Viralipatti, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahalingeswarar).
• Consorts: Maragathavalli and Manikkavalli, making the temple unique for having two Ambikas.
• Known as a Bhairava Sthala and a Star Temple for Maham Nakshatra.
• Sage Bharadwaja, who installed Mother Meenakshi in Madurai, is closely associated with the temple.
• Two peetas at the entrance are believed to represent the sage sitting humbly to touch the feet of devotees symbolically.

Special Significance for Maham Nakshatra

• Maham Nakshatra-born individuals are advised to take Sage Bharadwaja as their Guru.
• Worshiping Lord Shiva with abishekams and archanas on special days (Maham star days, Panchami, Sashti, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Pradosham, and monthly Shivaratri) is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
• Relief from planetary problems, illnesses, and Vasthu issues are sought through rituals at the temple.
• Devotees light ghee lamps for recovery from illnesses.
• Special pujas are conducted on Masi Maham festival day, particularly for Maham star individuals.

Puranic Significance

• Odukkam Thavasi Medai:
  • Maharshi Bharadwaja performed intense penance on a platform, focusing on the Lord while controlling his senses.
  • The name derives from Odukkam (controlling senses), Thavasi (sage), and Medai (platform).
• Reason for Partition in Plantain Leaves:
  • During Sri Rama’s journey from Lanka to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana, he rested at Sage Bharadwaja’s hermitage.
  • Sri Rama drew a line on the plantain leaf to share his meal with Sri Anjaneya, symbolizing gratitude for Hanuman’s support.
  • Since then, plantain leaves are said to grow with a natural partition.

Festivals

• Maham Star Days.
• Panchami, Sashti, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Pradosham, and monthly Shivaratri.
• Special celebrations on Masi Maham festival day.

Devotee Rituals

• Performing abishekams and offering Vastras to Lord Shiva and the Ambikas.
• Lighting ghee lamps for illness recovery.
• Worship for Vasthu dosha remedies and relief from adverse planetary influences.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Dindigul

Nearest Railway Station

Dindigul

Nearest Airport

Madurai

lightuptemple