Masilamaniswara Temple, Thirumullaivoyal or Masilamaniswara Temple is a dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Thirumullaivoyal in the Chennai-Avadi road, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar.
History
The Tirumullaivayil area was once surrounded by forests and inhabited by two demons Vanan and Onan who harassed the righteous sages. Then the ruler of the land King Thondaman waged a war against them. But he was defeated in the war. While returning, the legs of his elephant were caught in the creepers of the jasmine. The king cut the creepers sitting on the elephant and found the creepers bleeding. He got down in fear and found a Shivalinga under the soil.
Seeking mercy and forgiveness from Lord Shiva, he prayed to Him. Without any delay Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared before the King lest he indulge in causing self-inflicted injury out of grief. The Lord asked the King to build a temple for Him right there and promised that he would reside there as ‘Masilamaniswara’, the Lord who is as precious as a gem, but without stains [‘maasu’ – dirty or stain (caused by the profuse bleeding), ‘ila’ – without, ‘mani’ – gem].
Architecture
Building by the Pallava architecture, the vimana of the sanctum sanctorum is looks like Gaja Prishtam means the rear of an elephant. It is built on a circular base and is known as Thoonganai Maadam in Tamil [thoong(um) – sleeping, aanai – elephant, maadam – top of a building (or temple)] or simply, ‘a building that looks like the rear of a sleeping elephant’.
Temple Timings:
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festival:
The temple celebrated festivals are
- Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in May-June
- Masi Float Festival in February-March
- Aani Vasantha Utsav in June-July
How to reach
By Air:
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (28Km) can be reached through National Highway-176 from Thirumullaivoyal.
By Rail:
Nearest railway station is Avadi.
By Bus:
Thirumullaivoyal is situated at a distance of about 16 kms from the Koyambedu Bus Terminus, Chennai.
