Thirumakaraleeswarar Temple

Thirumakaraleeswarar Temple, also known as Thirumagaral Temple or Thirumakaral Easwarar Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the village of Magaral in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram district, the temple holds great religious and historical significance. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Thirumakaraleeswarar, represented in the form of a lingam, while his consort, Goddess Parvati, is revered as Tribuvananayagi. The temple is celebrated as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, sacred sites glorified in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva hymns, the Tevaram, composed by the saint poets known as the Nayanmars. Spanning an area of two acres, the temple complex is an exquisite example of Dravidian architecture. Its defining feature is a five-tiered gateway tower, or gopuram, which stands majestically, facing the sanctum of Thirumakaraleeswarar. The temple houses multiple shrines, with the sanctums of Thirumakaraleeswarar and Tribuvananayagi being the most prominent. This ancient temple not only serves as a significant spiritual destination but also showcases Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Its intricate carvings and historical legacy make it a must-visit for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

Timings

The temple is open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

According to legend, Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred site and planted a miraculous jackfruit tree that bore one fruit each day. Witnessing this wonder, King Rajendra Chola decreed that one member from each family should carry the fruit to Chidambaram to offer it as nivedhana to Lord Shiva. The fruit would then be returned to the king after the rituals.

One day, a young Brahmin boy was assigned this task. Frustrated by the burden placed on the villagers, he questioned why the king did not assign his own men for the duty. The boy asked the villagers to help him, offering to guard their homes in return. The villagers obliged and left for Chidambaram together. Meanwhile, the boy burned the miraculous jackfruit tree, believing it was the root cause of the problem.

When the villagers returned and informed the king, the boy admitted his actions, explaining that the lack of facilities for carrying the fruit compelled him to destroy the tree. Angered, the king ordered the boy to be exiled, blindfolding him for the journey.

While escorting the boy to exile, the king encountered a golden chameleon, which fled into an anthill. When the king tried to uncover it, the anthill began to bleed, and a divine voice rebuked the king for his actions. The voice revealed that the chameleon was none other than Lord Shiva, and the king fainted in realization. The voice further instructed the king to build a temple at the site. Remarkably, the linga in the sanctum sanctorum is said to resemble the size of a chameleon's tail, commemorating this divine event.

Administration History :

The temple was originally built during the Pallava period and later reconstructed during the Rajendra Chola period. Inscriptions from the Rajaraja Chola, Kulothunga Chola, and Vijayanagara periods record various donations and contributions towards the temple. The temple is currently under the administration of the local Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. Regular maintenance and rituals are conducted by the temple authorities, ensuring the preservation of the temple's sanctity and heritage.

Do's and Don'ts

Do dress modestly: Wear respectful, modest clothing when entering the temple to maintain the sanctity of the sacred space.
Do remove footwear: Always remove your shoes before entering the temple premises as a sign of respect.
Do follow the rituals: Participate in the temple rituals, such as offering prayers or lighting a lamp, according to your understanding or the guidance of the temple priests.
Do maintain silence: Keep noise to a minimum to ensure a peaceful and respectful environment for everyone.
Do donate thoughtfully: If you wish to donate, offer it through official channels, respecting the temple’s rules on donations.
Do respect temple staff: Treat the temple priests, staff, and fellow devotees with kindness and respect.
Do offer prayers with devotion: Approach the deity with a sincere heart, focusing on the spiritual purpose of your visit.
Do follow the temple’s timings: Adhere to the temple’s opening and closing times, and arrive early for special prayers or festivals.

Don’t touch the idols or sanctum: Avoid touching the idols or the sanctum unless permitted by the temple authorities.
Don’t engage in loud conversations: Refrain from speaking loudly or disturbing others who are in prayer or meditation.
Don’t bring food or drinks: Avoid bringing any food, drinks, or snacks into the temple premises, unless it is a prasadam (blessed offering).
Don’t take photos in restricted areas: Follow the temple’s rules about photography, as some sacred areas may prohibit it to maintain reverence.
Don’t wear inappropriate clothing: Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing that may be seen as disrespectful in a religious setting.
Don’t disturb wildlife or the environment: Respect the surrounding natural environment, trees, or animals within the temple area, and avoid causing any harm.
Don’t enter restricted areas: Some areas of the temple may be restricted to specific individuals such as priests or authorized staff; respect these boundaries.
Don’t rush or push: Practice patience and allow others to experience the temple’s peace and rituals without rushing or pushing ahead.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional attire such as a dhoti or veshti, or simple clothes like a shirt and pants, covering the body appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.

For Women: Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or modest dresses that cover the body fully. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Chennai International Airport, which is 61.9 km away.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram, located about 18 km from the temple. From Kanchipuram railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road. The nearest bus station is Kanchipuram.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

Cheyyar River: A major river flowing through the region, which holds significance in the temple's rituals and religious practices.

Cities :

Tiruvarur: The district headquarters, situated approximately 25 km from Thirumagaral, is a prominent town known for its religious and cultural heritage. It is home to several other important temples, including the Thyagarajaswamy Temple.
Kumbakonam: Located around 40 km to the north, Kumbakonam is a temple town known for its historical temples and religious significance.
Thanjavur: Situated about 70 km to the west, Thanjavur is an important city known for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its rich cultural history.
Chidambaram: Approximately 100 km away, this city is famous for the Nataraja Temple, a significant Shiva temple.