Tirumettraleeswar Temple

Overview

This is a small shrine in Pillayarpalayam in Kanchipuram, which is home to the grand Ekambareswarar Temple Shivastalam. The image above is that of Somaskandar at the Ekambreswarar temple. There is a temple in honor of Sambandar (Aaludaiyapillai) here, and hence the name Pillayarpalayam, although none of Sambandar's Patikams in honor of this shrine are presently available. This is the 2nd of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India.Saint Sundarar in his Thevaram hymn says that how he could praise a Lord other than Him gracing from Tirumettrali as He enters the heart sooner thought of as a light, sweet as honey and nectar. This is the 2nd Shiva Temple in Thondainadu region praised in Thevaram hymns.

About The Temple

Sri Vinayaka of the place is praised as Siddhi Vinayaka. The temple has a 3 tier Rajagopuram. There are 2 other Shivalingams in this shrine Odha Urigeeswarar and Mutheeswarar. The Sambandar festival is conducted each year here. The temple has a three tiered Rajagopuram. The Metralinathar shrine faces west. There is a shrine to Kamakshi although it is believed to be of later origin. Festivities pertaining to the Kachabeswarar temple in Kanchipuram are linked with this temple. There are also shrines to Ganesha, Subramanya, Kasi Viswanathar, Bhairavar and others. Oda Urugeeswarar shrine is an east facing one. Please see the Ekambareswarar Temple for more information on Kanchipuram.

About The Deity

As Mother Kamakshi is regarded as the only Mother Goddess in Kancheepuram, there are no Ambica shrines in most of the Shiva temples here. Yet this is one temple with an exception with Mother Parasakthi having Her own shrine facing east blessing the devotees with Her sweet appearance. As Lord Shiva is facing west –Merku in Tamil- He is named Mettraleeswarar. The word Thali (Mettrali_ also means temple.

In the sanctum sanctorum of other presiding Lord Odhavurugeeswar, we can have the darshan of Lord Shiva and the feet of Lord Vishnu nearby simultaneously ensuring all prosperous life, according to belief. Though Tirumettraleeswar is the principal deity, the Rajagopuram and the main entrance belongs to Odha Urugeeswarar. The Pradosha puja is dedicated only to Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Odha Urugeeswarar.

Muyalagan, symbol of Ignorance under Lord Dakshinamurthy is on the left of the Lord differently against the right side. 100 Rudras, Seekandar, Veerabadra, Krodhar and Mandalathipathis, all totaling 116, had worshipped Lord in this temple.

Saint Gnana Sambandar who sang in praise of the Lord from the end of the street has his shrine there itself. As the saint is also known as Aludaipillayar and Sambanda Pillayar, the place is also named Pillayar Palayam. The place also has a name Pachimalayam.

Legend and Stories

Lord Vishnu reclining in Milk Ocean had a desire to have the form of Shiva Linga and approached Lord Shiva for the purpose. Shiva pleaded inability. But Vishnu did not give in and began penance on Shiva. Surprised at his determination, Lord Shiva told Vishnu that He could have His wish by performing penance at this place on His Swayambu facing west. Lord Vishnu came to this place, began penance facing east in a standing form after a bath in Vegavati River.

Saint Tirugnana Sambandar was visiting this place-Mettraliyur – the same time, saw Lord Vishnu standing in penance. The saint thought it was Lord Shiva as he was at the back. Saint began singing in praise of the Lord. Vishnu in penance was moved by the divine melody and began to melt. When He got the Linga form, His – Vishnu – feet remained. Now too we have the darshan of both Shiva Linga and Vishnu feet at the sanctum sanctorum.

As Vishnu began to melt at the singing of the saint, the name came Odha-singing, Urugu-melting, Easwarar-God –Odhavurugeeswarar.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Skanda Sashti in October-November and Tirugnana Sambandar Gurupuja Ambica feeding the child with wisdom milk are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Lord Tirumettraleeswar grants all boons to His devotees. Devotees perform special abishek to Lord, offer vastras and nivedhanas. Saint Tirunavukkarasar praises Kancheepuram as a city of boundless education – Kalviyil Karai Illadha Kanchi Ma Nagar. Hence, worshipping Lord Shiva here the devotee is gifted with good education.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest major railway station is at Kanchipuram.

Road

Pillayarpalayam is well connected by road. The nearest major bus terminal is at Kanchipuram.

Temple Address

Sri Tirumettraleeswarar Temple,
Pillayarpalayam, Kanchipuram,
Pincode - 631 501.