Mullaivana Nathar Temple

Overview

The Mullaivananathar Temple is located at Thirumullaivasal in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India which is dedicated to Shiva. Located 14 Kms from Sirkazhi. Bus facilities To Tirumallaivayil are available from Sirkazhi. On the way to Tirumullaivayil, one can also visit another paadal petra sivasthalamTirukkurukavur by taking a branch road at Vadakal village bus stop and travelling for about 1 km.

About the Temple

The Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthi. The sword cut scar on the head of the Linga is still visible. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar had praised the Lord of the temple in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 7th Shiva temple on the northern bank Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Palli Arai puja is performed at all Shiva temples both in the morning and night. But the Tirumullaivayil temple has no such Palli Arai. Lord Mullaivana Nathar is 3.5 feet tall big swayambumurthi. He is also praised as Yuthika Parameswarar. Mother Anikonda Kothai, also praised as Sathyanada Soundari worshipped Lord here to learn the Panchakshara Mantra. Lord is a Guru here, hence there is no Palli Arai and pujas. Legend has it that Susavi, the eldest son of Vamadeva placed his father’s bones after his demise in holy waters. When he put the bones in the waters in this place, they became diamond stones. He immediately performed all the last rites for the father in this place that granted total salvation to the father. It is still believed that Holy Ganga springs here on the northwest direction of the temple.  The temple was built 1300 years ago by King Killivalavan. Saint Gnana Sambandar had sung the praise of Lord in his Thevaram hymns.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is called as Mullaivana Nathar. His consort is known as Ani Konda Kothai Ammai.

Legend and stories

King Killi Valavan, grandfather of Karikal Valavan was suffering from skin problems. Palace doctors advised him that he should have a bath in a reputed Shiva Sthala. He came to this place for a sea bath. The place was dense with Mullai plants which bound the legs of the horses. They could not move further. The king removed the plants with his sword. The sword hit a Shivalinga hidden under the bushes. It began to bleed. The king was shocked and thought he had killed somebody and on cleaning the place, he found the Linga bleeding and attempted to kill himself for the mistake. Lord with Mother Parvathi immediately appeared before him on His Nandhi vehicle and protected Killivalavan. Thus the place came to be known as Tiru Mullai Vayil. The scar on the Linga is still visible.

Festivals

Masi Magam Theerthavari festival in February-March is grandly celebrated in the temple.

Significance

People who chant the Panchakshara-five letter mantra, Na Ma Shi Va Ya in the temple on Solar and Lunar eclipse days and on new days (Amavasya) would not be subjected to next birth, is the belief of the devotees. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Nearby Place to Visit

Kayaroganeswarar

Thanthondreeswarar

NeelakandeswararPallavaneswarar

Aranyeswarar

Naganathar

Accessibility

Tirumullai Vayil is 12 km from Sirkali. Frequent bus facility is available from Sirkali and Chidambaram. The closest railway station is in Kumbakonam, and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Mullaivana Nathar Temple
Tirumullaivayil Post, Sirkazhi Taluk
Nagapattinam District, PIN 609113