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Maragadasaleswarar Temple

This is the 117th Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam and 63rd & last Sthalam, on the northern side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This is the 52nd, of the 64 Sakthi Peedams, of Sakthi. The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai / Thenkailayam / Sivasakthimalai / Malaikovil / Erattimalai.

Timings

The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. This is the 117th Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam and 63rd & last Sthalam, on the northern side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. 
  2. This is the 52nd, of the 64 Sakthi Peedams, of Sakthi. 
  3. As per Thevara Hymnas this place was called as Engoi malai / Engoyi Malai and now called as Thiruvinganatha malai and Shiva Sakthi malai. 
  4. This hill is about 4 km from Kulithalai Kaveri / Cauvery river bridge.
  5. Maragadachaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruengoimalai in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. 
  6. The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai / Thenkailayam / Sivasakthimalai / Malaikovil / Erattimalai. 
  7. The river Cauvery passes nearby the hillock. The river 'Surpanathi' passes adjoining the hillock. 
  8. The river is otherwise called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai.
  9. There is Bogar Siddhar Temple at the base of this Shiva Temple. Also, Chayapeedam of Sri Lalithambika (One of the 51 Shakthi peedams) is located very nearby in the foothills of Thiruengoimalai is the. 
  10. The whole temple is being maintained by Yogini ladies (Brahmacharinis). 
  11. This place is well described in the text of Meru Thanthiram. 
  12. It is said that Sati Devi’s face shadow falls here and is named as “Sayapuram”.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:


Sivasakthi Malai:


Ambal worshipped Lord Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi Malai.


Attaining Salvation by worshipping three temples in a row:


There are three important sacred Shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in the south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba Nathar at Kadambar Koil in the morning, Rathnagreeswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi Nathar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation.


Lord Shiva gave Gold to Sundarar here:


When Sundarar went to see the Lord, he hid himself in tamarind and when Sambandhar asked for gold, he gave the tamarind from the tree which became gold.


Musukuntha Chakravarthy worshipped Lord Shiva here:


Legendary Chola Emperor Musukuntha Chakravarthy worshipped Lord Shiva here.


Maragatha Lingam:


The lingam of the temple is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. It is therefore called the 'emerald' (Maragatha) lingam. 


 PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 1:


It is believed that Musukuntha Chakravarthi, Agasthiyar, in the form of a bee worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence this place is called Engoi Malai / Engoyi Malai. Bogar did penance and attained siddhi of making “Navapashanam“ in this hill temple, hence there is a Bogar Shrine at the foothills. 


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 2:


  1. In one of the legends, Adhiseshan and Vayu used to fight with each other, claiming each one as the greatest and strongest. 
  2. This time Adhiseshan, holds Meru hill. Vayu blew the hill but couldn’t do so. 
  3. But few of the precious stones like Emerald, saffire, diamond, etc, were blown out of the hill and fallen down. 
  4. The emerald i.e. the green stone had fallen on this hill and formed a Shiva Linga. In another version, Adhiseshan covered the meru hill. 
  5. The Vayu went through the passage at a force and blew out some peaks. 
  6. This is the place where the peak had falled down and was called "Maragadachalam". 
  7. The tamarind tree which is an incarnation / amsam of Adhiseshan was grown on the hill.    


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 3:



  1. In one the legend, During Sundarar’s Visit Lord Shiva was hidden in the tamarind tree to make a delay for Sundarar’s darsham. 
  2. Sundarar got disappointed and searched Lord Shiva on the hill. 
  3. Lord Shiva to identify himself, threw a golden tamarind fruit on Sundarar. 
  4. Sundarar found out that Lord Shiva was hiding in the Tamarind tree and cursed the tree, since the tamarind tree had given the place for Lord Shiva to hide, henceforth No tamarind tree should grow on the hill.
  5. It is believed that it will be auspicious to worship Lord Shiva of Kadambar Koil in the morning, Thiruvatpokki in the afternoon and Thiru Engoi malai / Engoyi Malai in the evening in a single day. 
  6. As per gurukal the hill shrine has the power of attracting good forces.
  7. It is believed that it will be auspicious to do abhishekam to Lord Shiva with honey. 
  8. Since Agasthiyar in the form of bee worshipped Lord Shiva and done abhishekam with honey, hence this place is called as Thiru Engoyi Malai / Engoi Malai

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
  2. Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for inquiry ,temple information and for pooja details etc.
  3. Do reserve your travel and accommodation at the temple well in advance.
  4. Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple
  5. Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  7. Do observe ancient customs and traditions while in the Temple.
  8. Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only


  1. Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess
  2. Do not smoke at Temple.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple
  4. Do not Eat Non Vegetarian food in the Kshetram
  5. Do not carry any weapon inside the temple
  6. Do not wear any head guards like helmets ,caps ,turbans and hats inside the temple premises.


Dress Code

For Men:

Wear a dhoti or lungi; simple shirts are acceptable.

Remove footwear before entering.


For Women:

Prefer sarees or salwar kameez; modest dresses are acceptable.

Use a dupatta to cover shoulders.

Remove footwear before entering.

How to reach

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BEST TIME TO VISIT:



The best time to visit the Sri Maragadachaleswarar Temple in Tiruchirapalli is during the cooler months from November to February. 

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for temple activities and exploring the surrounding area.

Additionally, visiting during the Masi Shivratri festival, typically celebrated in February or March, can provide a unique experience, as the temple hosts special rituals and the rare phenomenon of the sun’s rays illuminating the lingam.


By Air:

  1. Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is about 10 kilometres from the temple. You can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the temple.


By Train:

  1. Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ) is well-connected to major cities. From the station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus to the temple.


By Road:

  1. By Bus: Trichy has a good network of buses. You can take a local bus to Eengoimalai or hire a taxi.
  2. By Car: If driving, follow the signs to Tiruchirappalli and then to the specific area where the temple is located. Parking facilities are usually available.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:


Kaveri River: 



The most significant river in the region, the Kaveri flows near Trichy and is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is a vital water source for irrigation and drinking.


Coleroon River: 



A tributary of the Kaveri, the Coleroon flows close to Trichy and joins the Kaveri downstream.


Nearby Cities:



  1. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): The city itself is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, featuring various temples and historical sites.
  2. Thanjavur: About 60 kilometres from Trichy, Thanjavur is famous for its Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  3. Karur: Approximately 80 kilometres away, Karur is known for its textile industry and historical temples.
  4. Dindigul: About 100 kilometres from Trichy, Dindigul is noted for its fort and culinary delights, especially the famous Dindigul biryani.