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Mahalingeswarar temple

Sri Mahalinga Swamy Temple is situated in Thiruvidaimaruthur, near Kumbakonam, and is dedicated to Lord Mahalinga Swamy and his consort, Sri Brihatasundaragujambigai. This temple is one of the revered "Panchalinga Kshetrams," featuring five Lingams of Lord Shiva within the same complex. These Lingams are positioned in the four cardinal directions, with a fifth Lingam located at the centre of the shrine. Within the temple complex, there are additional shrines dedicated to various deities: Viswanathar in the east, Rishipuriswarar in the west, Atmanathar in the south, and Chokkanathar in the north. The temple is recognized as a Padal Petra Sthalam, where the saints Appar and Sundarar have composed hymns in praise of the temple in their Thevaram verses. Notably, this location is also known as the birthplace of the saint Pattinathar.

Timings

Morning: 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM & Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

Sage Agasthya, along with other sages, came to Itaimaruthur and engaged in tapasya, meditating on Goddess Umadevi. In response to their devotion, Goddess Uma appeared before the sages. They requested to see Lord Shiva as well. To fulfil their wish, Umadevi entered into Shiva tapasya. The Lord then granted her wish and appeared before her and the sages, worshipping the 'Jothi Lingam.'

Surprised, Umadevi asked the Lord, “O Lord! It is customary for Brahman and other deities to worship you. Why do you worship your own self?” The Lord replied, “Uma Devi! We are the Ultimate, both the worshippers and the worshipped. Because these sages have forgotten to worship us, we are worshipping ourselves.” Since that day, the sages began to worship according to the 'Kaamika Law,' reaping significant spiritual benefits.


Administration History :



The Mahalingeswarar Temple in Thiruvidaimarudur has a rich history of administration, starting from the Chola period, with notable extensions during the Vijayanagara era. Various inscriptions from rulers like Rajaraja Chola I, Kulothunga Chola III, and Vijayanagara kings record endowments, land donations, and maintenance of temple rituals. The Maratha rulers, particularly Pratap Singh, were also significant patrons of the temple. In more recent times, the Dharmapuram Adheenam oversees the administration and management of temple activities, including charity endowments such as "Pichai Kattalai."

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray: Always pray to your Ishta Devata before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Centre: For any inquiries regarding temple information, Pooja details, or other services, reach out to the Temple Devasthanam information centre.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Ensure that you book your travel and accommodation near the temple well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
  4. Personal Hygiene: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to show respect and reverence.
  5. Focus on the Divine: Concentrate on the God and Goddess present in the temple during your visit.
  6. Maintain Silence: Keep the atmosphere serene by maintaining silence and quietly reciting "Om Namah Shivaya" or your Istamantra to yourself.
  7. Observe Customs: Respect and observe the ancient customs and traditions while in the temple.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Always be considerate of the religious sentiments of others in the temple.
  9. Offerings: Deposit your offerings only in the designated hundi.
  1. Purpose of Visit: Do not come to the temple for any purpose other than worshipping the God and Goddess.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol: Consuming alcoholic drinks in the temple is not allowed.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  5. Avoid Mediators: Do not approach mediators for quick Darshan, as it may inconvenience others.
  6. Weapons: Do not carry any weapons inside the temple.
  7. Head Gear: Avoid wearing headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises.
  8. Sastanga Pranama: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Time Taken for Darshanam: Do not linger excessively while performing Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
  10. Prasadams: Avoid purchasing spurious prasadam’s from street vendors.
  11. Beggars: Do not encourage beggars at the temple.
  12. Nuisance: Refrain from spitting or creating any nuisance within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: The dress code includes wearing a shirt and trouser, dhoti, or pyjamas along with an upper cloth. Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are strictly not allowed. This dress code applies to foreign visitors as well. Pilgrims/visitors who do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted inside the temple.

For Women: The preferred dress code consists of a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with a pyjama and upper cloth. Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are also prohibited. This dress code is applicable to foreign visitors as well. Visitors not following the dress code will not be allowed entry into the temple.

How to reach

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Best Season to visit :

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, specifically from September to March. This period offers pleasant weather, making it conducive for pilgrims and visitors to enjoy their experience at the temple.


By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport, located 108 kilometres from the temple.

By Rail: The closest railway station is situated in the town of Kumbakonam.

By Road: The temple has a Kumbakonam Bus Stand nearby.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Cauvery River: One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, the Cauvery flows near the temple, adding to its sacred significance. It is often revered in rituals and ceremonies.
  2. Sowparnika River: This river, known for its purity, also runs close to the temple, linking it to other revered sites, especially with connections to the main Mookambika temple in Karnataka.
  3. Vadavaaru River: Flowing nearby, this river is significant for local worship and rituals, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the temple vicinity.
  4. Arasalar River: This river is another water source in the region, contributing to the temple's landscape and the rituals performed there.


Cities:

  1. Thiruvidaimarudur: The nearest town to the temple, known for its rich cultural heritage and significance in the Shaivite tradition.
  2. Kumbakonam: Located a short distance away, Kumbakonam is famous for its numerous temples and is often referred to as the "Temple Town" of Tamil Nadu.
  3. Thanjavur: A major city nearby, Thanjavur is renowned for its historical significance and grand temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  4. Karur: Located not too far from the temple, Karur is known for its historical temples and is a significant commercial hub in the region.