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Tirumullaivayil is one of the Shivastalams in the vicinity
of Chennai, near
Avadi. It is considered special to worship Kodiyidai Nayaki (Goddess
Parvati) here, on full moon days. Ramalinga Adigalar refers to Lord Shiva
here as 'Mullaivayil Vaazh Masilamaniye'. It is also said that the Linga
(known as "Masilamaniswara" or "Akalanka Ratneswara")
is a swayambhu and is being worshipped by Devas and other heavenly
persons. It is supposed to be two thousand years old.
The temple here was in existence during the four Yugas and was known by
different names in each: (1) "Ratnapuram" in Krita, (2) "Vilvavanam"
in Treta, (3) "Chambagavanam" in Dwapara (also spelt as Dwapar)
and (4) "Mullaivanam" or "Malateevanam" in Kali.
About The Temple
This temple with a "Gajaprishta Vimanam" common to this region
occupies an area of about 1 acre. It was constructed in such a fashion
that it looks like an elephant lying down, i.e., Gajaprishta. A grand
Rajagopuram forms the southern entrance to this temple visible from a
distance. The sanctum here has been in worship since the Sangam period.
Elements of Pallava architecture are seen in this temple as in the lion
pillars in the Vinayaka (also spelt as Vinayak) shrine.
The processional deity is not on his Rishabham as usual. As Lord Shiva
thought that Tondaiman might cut his own head for having wounded a Shiva
Linga, the Lord came rushing, followed by Parvati. In this hurry Parvati
went and stood on the right side of Lord Shiva, instead of on the left
side. This is a very peculiar placing, and is not seen in any other
temple.
There are shrines to Rishabantikadeva, Nataraja and Bhikshatana here. The
Nandi faces away from the sanctum in keeping with the legend. Inscriptions
from the period of Uttama Chola, speaking of Sembiyan Mahadevi's (10th
century) endowments to this temple, are seen in this temple.
At this temple two Deepalakshmi are seen near the Dhwaja - stambha in
front of Lord Shiva and Kodiyidai Nayaki. They are so very beautifully
dressed and exhibit different hair dressing styles of the past.
There is also another beauty in this temple. Vinayaka (also spelt as
Vinayak) has got five heads and 10 hands. He is called "Panchamukha
Vinayaka". At the entrance to the temple there are two inscriptions
one of which relates to an endowment of Sri Pachayappa Mudaliar, who
donated the income from his lands, amounting, to 3000 varahans, for the
midday puja of this temple.
The Legend Connected With The Temple
The legend goes to show that King Tondaiman of Tondaimandalam (Now the
districts of Chittoor, North Arcot, Chingleput and Chennai) was attracted
by the precious beams of Erukku wood possessed by his enemies, the Jain
Chiefs called Kurumban and Kantan, who had their strong fortress at
Pullal. In order to vanquish his enemies, King Tondaiman marched his army
against them, but he experienced a setback. He attempted to retreat
through this place. While retreating, the elephant on which he was seated
got its legs enmeshed in a thick bush of Mullai creeper.
In order to enable the elephant get its leg out of the creeper; the king
slashed the creeper with his sword. The creeper was cut but the sword
touched a Shiva Linga hidden in the bush. Then blood was seen oozing out
of the cut portion of the Linga (also spelt as lingam), Tondaiman became
shocked and, grieving for his rash and thoughtless action, prayed for the
mercy of the Lord. Pleased with the prayers of Tondaiman, Lord Shiva
consoled him. He said: "I am not hurt by this. I am Masilamaniswar or
Akalanka Ratneswar (Masu-'Flaw, Ila-without, Manigem; Akalanka-flawless,
Ratna-gem; that is Flawless Gem).
Lord Shiva also took pity on King Tondaiman and said: "Don't you
worry; here are my battalions. Nandi is leading. Go and fight Kurumban and
Kantan. You will succeed."! Nandi obeyed the orders and started
marching. Even today the Nandi can be seen having his back turned towards
Lord Shiva whose orders he was carrying out.
Tondaiman, coming with Nandi and Shiva's regiment, created fear in
Kurumban and Kantan. They surrendered at once and presented the beams of
Erukku. King Tondaiman used these beams as pillars to the temple. Erukku
is a small-sized plant and it is a marvel how large beams were obtained
from it.
It is further said that Nandi brought also Bhairava, the patron deity of
the enemy chief, to Malativanam. King Tondaiman then built a beautiful
temple, enshrining the Shiva Linga and establishing a township. A
beautiful tank was constructed. The name of Lord Shiva's consort Parvati
here is Latamadhyamba or Kodiyidai Nayaki. Kodiyidai means waist as thin
as a creeper. As the ShivaLinga was wounded by the sword cut of Tondaiman,
only sandal paste is applied and abhishekam is not performed to the Lord.
Sri Sundaramurti Nayanar lost his eyesight at Tiruvottiyur, consequent on
breaking his promise to his devoted and chaste mistress Sankili. He
regained it only at this temple and in his extreme happiness he has sung
in praise of this Shiva Linga, calling him as "Pasupata".
Festivities
The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of 'Vaikasi'
(May-June) and Vasantha Utsavam in 'Aani' (June-July).
Air:
Chennai is the
nearest airport with both National and International terminals.
Rail:Chennai
is the nearest railway station, which is well connected with the major
towns and cities within and beyond the state.
Road: Tirumullaivayil is situated at a distance of about 13 miles
to the west of Chennai,
near Avadi. To reach the temple city buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are
available.
Being the capital city of the state, Chennai is well equipped with various kinds of accommodation options, varying from economic class to luxurious ones.