Thirumullaivoyal Masilamaniswara Swamy Temple or Sri Maasilamaneeswar Swamy Temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams and 22nd Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu is located in Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The main deity is lord shiva and Goddess Parvati worshipped as Sri Masilamaneeswarar and Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi.
Here Lord Shiva is Swayambu (self-manifested), the lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni”. The roof tower of the sanctum sanctorum was built in Gaja Brishtam architectural style means the rear of an elephant. The main tower of the temple has 5 levels and 2 corridors.
There are two temples with the same name Thirumullaivayil near Seerkazhi is called Then Thirumullaivasal and the other is near Chennai is called Vada Thirumullaivoyal. Then” means south and “Vada” means north in Tamil.
“Thirumullaivoyal” or “Thirumullaivasal” derives its name from the belief that Lord Shiva emerged from a jasmine bush in both places. “Thiru” is a respectful prefix, “Mullai” means jasmine and “vassal” means a place in Tamil. The historical name of the place is “Shanbakaranyam”.
The “Tri-Shakti temples”, the temples of Itcha, Kriya and Gnana Shaktis, are very popular and of great importance in the Hindu religion. Among these, the Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi temple in Thirumullaivayil is considered to be the Kriya Shakti temple.
Ganapathi, Dakshinamoorthy, Sri Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durga are the idols in the sanctum. Kalyana Theertham, Agni Theertham, Subramanya Theerthamand river Palaru are the Theertham associated with the temple. Newlyweds, girls who have been having low prospects of marriage, etc. come here to seek her blessings which have proven fruitful to many. Mullai (Jasmine) is the Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree).
The garlands offered to Nandideva during the pujas are worn by the devotees facing marital problems. In addition, these garlands are fruitful for those whose children are suffering from a health problem. But this practice is not followed on puja days on the new moon, full moon, Kruthika and pradosham days.
Thirumullaivoyal Sri Masilamaniswara Swamy Temple Timings:
Morning: 6.30 AM to 12.00 Noon
Evening: 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Thirumullaivoyal Masilamaniswara Swamy Temple History:
The place was once infested with forests inhabited by two demons, Vanan and Onan, who harassed the virtuous sages. A king, Thondaman, waged war against them and was defeated. Upon his return, his elephant legs were struck in jasmine creepers. The king cut down the creepers sitting on the elephant and found them bleeding. He got down in fear and found a Shivalinga under the ground.
After wronging Lord Shiva, the king attempted to commit suicide. In a hurry to protect the king, The Lord appeared before him without even inviting Parvathi Devi with him and stated that despite the injury, he would be very kind to everyone. Goddess Parvathi joined him later and now has His sanctuary directly from the Lord.
Lord Shiva sent Nandhi with the king’s army to defeat the demons. He brought two pillars made from the Vellrukku tree, placed them in the temple which he later built. These two pillars are still inside the temple today.
How to Reach Thirumullaivoyal Shiva Temple:
By Air:
Thirumullaivoyal Masilamaniswara Swamy Temple is just 26 km from Chennai International Airport via St Thomas mount – Porur toll plaza – Ambattur.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Avadi which is 4.3 km. Local Autos and city buses are available.
By Road:
Thirumullaivoyal is situated at a distance of about 15.1 km from the Koyambedu Bus Terminus. Local Autos and city buses are available.
Sri Maasilamaneeswar Swamy Temple Address:
15/A, N Mada Street,
Thirumullaivoyal,
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu – 600062.