Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar Madam, Sivaganga

Address

Maranayanar Street,

Sivaganga district,

Tamil Nadu 630702

Moolavar

Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar

Introduction

Ilayankudi Maranar Madam is a sacred shrine located in Ilayankudi Town, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. It is considered the final resting place of Ilayankudi Maranar, one of the revered 63 Nayanars in Shaivism.

Puranic Significance

Ilayankudi Maranar: Ilayankudi Maranar, also known as Marar, Maran, and Mara Nayanar, is counted as the fourth in the list of 63 Nayanars. He was born in Ilayangudi, in the present-day Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. Maranar was a farmer of the Sudra caste and a devoted Shaiva. He became wealthy through agriculture but used his wealth to serve Lord Shiva and His devotees. His devotion was put to the test when Lord Shiva made his wealth disappear, but Maranar continued to serve the devotees even in poverty. He sold his properties to feed the needy.

The Divine Test: One night, during heavy rainfall, Lord Shiva, disguised as a devotee, came to Maranar’s humble home. Maranar welcomed the guest and, along with his wife, pondered how to feed the guest as they had no food in the house. They decided to gather the paddy grains from their field and prepare a meal. Maranar went to the field during the downpour, gathered the grains, and used a rafter from the roof as fuel for cooking. Maranar’s wife prepared a meal with these limited resources. When Maranar brought the food to the guest, the guest suddenly transformed into Lord Shiva, and His divine form was revealed.

Blessing and Salvation: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before Maranar and his wife, blessing them for their unwavering devotion and selfless service. They were taken to Lord Shiva’s abode, Kailash. This incident signifies the importance of devotion, selfless service, and unwavering faith.

Festivals and Veneration: Ilayankudi Maranar is venerated in the Tamil month of Avani when the moon enters the Magha nakshatra. Devotees pay homage to him through various rituals, including processions, offerings of spinach (Neivedhyam), and practicing Annadhana (charitable food offerings). The Nayanar is especially associated with the Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple in Ilayangudi.

Indra’s Worship: According to the legend, Indira, the king of the gods, worshipped Lord Shiva at this location to seek relief from a sage’s curse. It is believed that Indira’s daughter, Deivanai, is still with Lord Muruga due to his worship at this place.