Masilamaniswara Temple (Kodiyidai Amman), Thirumullaivoyal
Also known as: மாசிலாமணீசுவரர் கோயில் (கொடியிடை அம்மன்), திருமுல்லைவாயில் · మాసిలామణీశ్వర ఆలయం (కొడియిడై అమ్మన్), తిరుముల్లైవాయల్ · मासिलामणीश्वर मंदिर (कोडियिडै अम्मन), तिरुमुल्लैवायल
Tamil Nadu Shiva
A Chola Shiva temple on the Chennai–Avadi road. One of the three Shakti temples of the region, with Kodiyidai Amman as chief goddess.
- Deity
- Masilamaniswarar (Shiva), Kodiyidai Nayagi (Parvati, Piraisoodi Amman)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Thirumullaivoyal (Chennai), Tiruvallur
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sthala vriksham
- Mullai creeper (jasmine)
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Manasa Pushkarani, outside the temple
- Era
- Built by the Cholas in the 9th century CE, with later additions.
Sthala Puranam
King Thondaiman was heading to fight the Kurumbar chieftains Vaanan and Onan. He found a bleeding lingam in a thicket of jasmine (mullai).
Shiva and Parvati appeared and told him to build a temple there. Shiva promised to send Nandi to help the king in battle.
Speciality
- The sanctum's vimana is a Gaja Prishtam, shaped like an elephant's back, a design linked to the Pallavas.
- Nandi faces outward, unlike most Shiva temples. The positions of Shiva and Parvati are swapped from the usual.
- The lingam has a scar covered with sandal paste.
- One of the three Shakti temples of the region, with Kodiyidai Amman as the chief goddess.
Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)
Mullai creeper (jasmine)
How to reach
By airChennai Airport, about 25 km.
By trainThirumullaivoyal railway station on the Chennai–Arakkonam line, with suburban trains.
By roadOn the Chennai–Avadi road. Many buses from Koyambedu and Avadi.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Thirumullaivoyal is close to Mangadu and Thiruverkadu, so they can be done on one day.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
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