TIRUVIDAIMARUDUR - MAHALINGESWARAR  TIRUKKOVIL

As this ancient, famous Saiva kshetra lies between Sri Saila Mallikarjunar to the north, and Sputarjunam, popularly known as Tiruppudaimarudur to the south, it is called Madyarjunam. The Presiding deity, an unusually a big Sivalinga . is installed on a high pedestal. And hence the appropriate epithet Mahalinga. The temple is sprayed by the holy water of Cauvery flowing in the middle of the town. These factors have given rise to the belief that circumambulation made to this shrine tantamount to making Pradakshina of the worlds. It blesses the devotees with good health, if they make circumambulations. And this accounts for the thronging of the sick always.

Here lies a testimony of Siva's sport demonstrated on this, spot in the past - on the inner eastern gopuram there is an image of ghost. It has an exciting legend. Belief is current that a certain Chola king fell victim to a pisachi for having killed a brahmin by accident. The king tried all means to rid of it, but in vain At long last, he sought refuge at the feet of this Karunaikasindhu Siva Peruman. He entered the temple through the eastern gate and prayed to the Lord soulfully as advised, and then bade his officers to making an entrance in the western wall for his exit, since it is believed that the evil spirits would not dare enter the garbhagriha of Lord Siva, but only wait at the gate to possess the victims again after their prayer. Done likewise, the wise King was saved. Even to day, visitors after offering prayers do not go back through the passage they enter. They straight away go to the Mother's Sannidhi situated outside the inner prakara and after worship make their exit happily. With many such miracles, the Presiding Lord Siva is receiving the highest veneration from the Bhaktakoti. The royal patronage seems exuding from every inch of this temple. Sculpture beckons and detains even the laymen. Wall panels and images of saints carved on the pillars narrate many awesome stories for mankind to listen and emulate for profit.

This powerful Sivan Tirukkovil adored by countless devotees is very near Kumbhakonam enjoying all transport facilities.

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