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Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple

Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple, located in Thirunindriyur in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Mahalakshmeeswarar, and Goddess Parvati, known here as Mahalakshmi. Renowned for its rich historical significance and stunning Dravidian architecture, the temple is a spiritual center celebrating major festivals like Maha Shivaratri. This ancient temple attracts devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Timings

Morning : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening : 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

Sage Jamadagni, in a moment of anger, commanded his son Sage Parasurama to chop off the head of his wife, Renukadevi, as she had admired the reflection of a Gandharva in water. Obeying his father, Parasurama carried out the command but later asked for his mother’s life as a boon. She was brought back to life, but both father and son were burdened by the sin of their actions. They worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple seeking peace and forgiveness. Lord Shiva granted them darshan and absolved their sins.

Mother Mahalakshmi also worshipped Lord Shiva here and received His blessings. As a result, the Lord is revered as Mahalakshmeeswarar.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Deity: Approach the deity with reverence and humility.
  2. Follow Dress Code: Dress modestly and appropriately, covering shoulders and legs.
  3. Observe Silence: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere inside the temple.
  4. Follow Rituals: Participate in rituals and ceremonies respectfully.
  5. Donate Generously: Contribute to the temple’s upkeep and charitable activities.
  6. Seek Blessings: Pray sincerely and seek blessings from the deity.
  7. Be Mindful of Others: Respect other devotees and their worship.
  8. Take off Footwear: Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum.
  1. No Photography: Refrain from taking photos or videos inside the temple without permission.
  2. No Smoking or Drinking: Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol within temple premises.
  3. No Loud Talking: Maintain silence and avoid loud conversations.
  4. No Mobile Phones: Keep mobile phones on silent mode or switch them off.
  5. No Disrespectful Behavior: Avoid disrespectful behavior towards the deity, priests, or other devotees.
  6. No Non-vegetarian Food: Refrain from bringing or consuming non-vegetarian food inside the temple.
  7. No Entry During Menstruation: Women traditionally avoid entering the temple during menstruation.
  8. No Entry for Non-Hindus: Some temples restrict entry to non-Hindus; check beforehand.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear shirts or kurta/pyjama. Preferably wear dhoti, veshti (traditional wrap-around garment), or formal pants. Avoid sleeveless shirts or tank tops.

For Women: Saree is traditionally preferred. Salwar kameez or churidar with dupatta is also acceptable. If wearing a saree, ensure it covers appropriately and is not revealing. Avoid sleeveless or low-cut blouses. If wearing a western outfit, it should cover shoulders and legs below the knee.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest major airport to Thirunindriyur is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located approximately 140 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple.

By Train: Mayiladuthurai Junction (MV), which is about 13 kilometres from Thirunindriyur. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Mahalakshmeeswarar Temple.

By Road: Thirunindriyur is well-connected by road with nearby towns and cities in TamilNadu. From Chennai, Thirunindriyur is approximately 280 kilometres from Chennai via NH32, and the journey takes about 6-7 hours by road.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Cauvery River (Kaveri) : The Cauvery River, sacred and significant in South India, flows near Mayiladuthurai, close to Thirunindriyur. It is vital for agriculture and is lined with numerous temples and pilgrimage sites.
  2. Arasalar River: A tributary of the Cauvery River, the Arasalar River flows through the region, enhancing the fertility of the lands around Mayiladuthurai and Thirunindriyur. It supports local agriculture and forms part of the region's intricate water network.


Cities :

  1. Mayiladuthurai: 13 km from Thirunindriyur, Known as the "Temple City" with notable temples like Mayuranathaswami and Parimala Ranganathar.
  2. Kumbakonam : 37 km from Thirunindriyur. Famous for grand temples and the Mahamaham festival, including Adi Kumbeswarar, Sarangapani, and Airavatesvara (UNESCO site).
  3. Thanjavur (Tanjore): 80 km from Thirunindriyur. Cultural hub and former Chola capital, renowned for Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO site) and contributions to art and music.
  4. Nagapattinam: 50 km from Thirunindriyur. Coastal town and pilgrimage center, known for Nagore Dargah and Soundararajaperumal Temple.
  5. Chidambaram: 45 km from Thirunindriyur. Famous for the Nataraja Temple, a major pilgrimage site and center for classical dance and music.