- Shiva
Kudumiyanmalai Temple
- Kudumiyan Malai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
This is a cave temple and it belongs to the late Pandya Era of the 8th & 9th C. The cave temple has a Shiva Linga made of live rock. Lord Shiva here is called Shika Natha, with the bulge on the lingam.
About Temple
Though a Shiva temple, the pillars bear sculptures of the Dasavatara scenes of Lord Vishnu. There are two such sculptures, one a youth on a horse and the other an aged man on a horse. This is explained as Kalki Avtar when both young and old would be destroyed. Of the Navagrahas the nine planets, this temple belongs to Sani Bhagwan – Saturn, it is believed. During the 10th century, this place was known as Thiru Nala Kundram. Emperor Nala who had to experience the ordeal of Sani Bhagwan worshipped Lord Shikanathar for relief. Those facing the adverse aspects of Sani Bhagwan pray to Lord Shika Nathar. There are invaluable epigraphic details written in Grnatha letters about the art of music which are useful to those in the field. It is said that king Parama Maheswaran disciple of Rudrachariar was proficient in the Ragas mentioned here. But nobody can go near the place now as honey bees have their hives around. Dwarapalakas-securities appear with a face of authority in temples both facing east. Here one is smiling and the other with a hard look facing north and south. Besides a shrine of Mother Akhilandeswari, there is another Ambica shrine. A Devadasi, Umayalnachi by name built an Ambica shrine in the temple and named Her Malaya Mangai. It is believed that this would have changed as as Soundarya Nayaki shrine in the days that followed.
Legends and Stories
Kudumian in Tamil means a person of good qualities. As the Lord is in a temple near a mount, He is praised as Kudumian, it is explained. The priest of the temple had a sweetheart who visited the temple. One day, when they were talking, the king visited the temple without notice. The priest took the flowers from the head of his lover, and gave it as Prasad to the king. The king saw hair in the garland and asked the priest. Placing his fate at the feet of the Lord, the priest said it may be from the Kudumi-tuft of Lord. The priest promised to show the tuft next day. The king said that he would test it the next day. When the king saw the Linga next day, he was surprised to see the Kudumi on the head. The priest and his sweetheart shed tears of pleasure and fell at the feet of Lord. Their marriage took place then.
Festival
Maha Shivrathri is grandly celebrated in the temple in February-March.
How to Reach Kudumiyanmalai Temple
The nearest airport toKudumiyanmalai Temple is Trichy Airport The nearest railway station to Kudumiyanmalai Temple is Pudukkottai. Kudumian Malai is 16 km far from Pudukottai on the Viralimalai road.
Temple Address
Kudumiyanmalai Temple,
Kudumiyan Malai,
Pudukottai,
Tamil Nadu - 622104.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For wish fulfillment
- for removal of obstacles in their way.
Shlokas
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m.