Pettavaithalai Madhyarjuneshwar Temple, Trichy

Address

Pettavaithalai,

Trichy District,

Tamil Nadu 639112

Moolavar

Madhyarjuneshwar

Amman

Balambika

Introduction

Madhyarjuneshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pettavaithalai in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Madhyarjuneshwar and Mother is called as Balambika. This ancient Chola period temple is architecturally beautiful and has many wonderful sculptures. The temple was built by 3rd Kulothunga Chola.

The temple is located at about 1 Km inside from the Trichy – Kulithalai main road. Passenger and Express trains from Trichy to Karur and Coimbatore stops at Pettavaithalai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Pettavaithalai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built by Kulothunga Chola III in the beginning of the 13th century CE. Kulothunga Chozhan had built 64 Shiva temples to get rid of his Brahmahatti Dosham. This was one among those. Another inscription from Rani Mangammal of Nayaka dynasty dated 1685 CE is also found in the temple complex.

Pottralam Poovai Siddhar: It is believed that Pottralam Poovai Siddhar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this temple. He was one of the Siddhas, whose specialty was in producing herbs and medicines for women specific ailments.

Parihara Sthalam for Brahma Hatya Dosha: Historically, the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola III. As per the legend, he got Brahma Hatya Dosha (Brahma hatya dosh is the sin caused due to killing Brahmins). To get absolved from the sin, he built many temples for Lord Shiva. This is one among those temples.

Special Features

Architectural Grandeur: The temple features an east-facing sanctum with a stunning five-tiered Rajagopuram.
Unique Sculptures: The entrance showcases idols of Ganesha, Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, and Garuda. These idols were excavated from nearby fields and do not originally belong to the temple.
Sanctum Design:
- The sanctum enshrines a large Shiva Linga, Madhyarjuneshwar, under a beautiful Vimana.
- Uniquely carved Dwarapalas guard the sanctum entrance.
- Koshta Murtis include Nardana Ganapati, Dakshina Murti (with an Abhaya Mudra), Lingodhbava, Brahma (in a sitting posture), and Durga.
Goddess Shrine: Balambika, the consort of Lord Shiva, has a separate south-facing shrine.
Rare Icons:
- A wooden flagstaff, bali peetha, and Nandi are located in the courtyard.
- Unique sculptures of Brahma Hatya Dosha and Pottralam Poovai Siddhar adorn the temple.
Sub-Shrines: The temple complex houses shrines for Ganesha, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Gaja Lakshmi, Bhikshatana, Mahalakshmi, Chandikeswara, and Navagraha.
Ancient Discoveries:
- Two large inscription panels from the Nayaka period were discovered here, revealing historical details.
- Excavated idols of Vishnu and Jain deities were also found nearby, although some have been relocated.

Beliefs and Benefits

Worshipping Lord Shiva at this temple is believed to cure Brahmahatti Dosha.
Women facing health issues related to menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy often seek the blessings of Pottralam Poovai Siddhar.
The temple is also considered a Parihara Sthalam (remedy site) for women’s health problems.