Melachery Mathaleswarar Temple, Villupuram

Address

Melachery, Villupuram District,

Tamil Nadu 604202

Moolavar

Mathaleswarar

Introduction

The Mathaleswarar Temple is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Melachery Village, near Gingee Town in Gingee Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was historically known as Shikari Pallaveswaram. The presiding deity is Mathaleswarar, and the mother deity is Brihan Nayagi. The temple is recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

The temple is referred to as Sri Shikarai Pallaveswaram in an inscription found on the northern wall of the cave temple. While the name suggests a connection with the Pallavas, the architectural style of the temple does not follow the Pallava tradition.
The inscription mentions a king named Chandraditya, who is not identified as a known Pallava king. He may have been a vassal of a Pallava king. The term “Shikari” in the inscription likely refers to the wife of this Pallava vassal, Chandraditya, who may have constructed or sponsored the excavation of this cave temple in honor of her Pallava overlord.

Special Features

The Mathaleswarar Temple is believed to be over 1500 years old and is carved into the western face of a small granite boulder located to the north of Melachery Village.
The temple faces west and is accessed through a newly built mandapam that hides the rock-cut cave shrine, which was originally protected by an older mandapam.
Features of the Cave Temple:
- Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam, and Nandi are found outside, facing the sanctum.
- The cave consists of a sanctum sanctorum and a Mukha Mandapam. The Mukha Mandapam has two pillars and two pilasters, dividing the cave into three equal partitions.
- The presiding deity, Mathaleswarar, is housed in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam, carved from the living rock—this is a rare feature not typically seen in Pallava cave temples.
- Above the Lingam, a lotus is carved on the ceiling, further adding to the temple’s uniqueness.
- Brihan Nayagi, the consort of Mathaleswarar, is carved on the northern wall and placed inside a niche, though this carving is likely a later addition.
- Lord Ganesha is carved on the southern wall of the cave.
Additional Features:
- There are several shrines opposite the cave temple, including shrines for Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, and other deities.
- A huge pond lies in front of the cave temple, adding to the temple’s serene atmosphere.
- A newly constructed Murugan temple is located on a nearby hilltop, offering another site of worship for devotees.