Tirumalairayanpattinam Ekambareswarar Temple, Karaikal

Address

Tirumalairayanpattinam Ekambareswarar Temple, Karaikal

Tirumalairayanpattinam,

Karaikal District,

Tamil Nadu 609606

Moolavar

Ekambareswarar 

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

• Location: The Tirumalairayanpattinam Ekambareswarar Temple is located in the village of Tirumalairayanpattinam, Karaikal District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Ekambareswarar (Lord Shiva), and the Goddess is Kamakshi.
• Management: The temple is managed by the Vishwakarma community. This community has played a key role in the temple’s maintenance and preservation over the years.
• Historical Context: The temple and the surrounding area were developed by Thirumalairayan, a ruler who established a large city named after himself in the 15th century. Thirumalairayan was instrumental in constructing 108 temples during his reign, some of which were destroyed over time but later revived, continuing to thrive with renewed vibrancy.

Temple Architecture

• The temple is east-facing, with a three-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower) marking the entrance.
• The Lord Ekambareswarar faces east, while the Goddess Kamakshi faces south in the temple.
• There are two Dwarapalakas (guardians) at the entrance of the sanctum and two more at the outer gate, which is a common feature in Hindu temples.
• The Karurai (shrine area) houses various deities:
  • Tenmugan (Lord Vishnu)
  • Lingotbavar (Brahma)
  • Brahma
• The temple is also home to a special Vinayagar idol, known as Akkasalai Vinayagar.

Puranic and Historical Significance

• The temple’s mythological roots are tied to the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan), during which the gods and demons fought for the nectar of immortality. When the nectar was obtained, the Earth became unbearably hot, prompting Lord Shiva (as Ekambareswarar) to rise and make it rain, cooling the Earth.
• This act of making the Earth rain is commemorated by an annual wedding ceremony held on Fridays in the temple, symbolizing the union of Lord Ekambareswarar and Goddess Kamakshi. During this ceremony, it is believed that the rain that follows mirrors the scene of Lord Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi walking through the streets.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

fifteenth century

Nearest Bus Station

Puducherry

Nearest Railway Station

Karaikal

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple