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Mahendrapalli Temple is one of the 275 Shiva Sthalams situated in Koiladipalayam of Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Mahendrapalli is the 6th in the series of Tevara Stalangal on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of Tamilnadu. This east fronting temple has an entrance topped with a three tiered Raaja Gopuram. The innermost prakarm preserves Shiva, Ambal and Nataraja. The outer prakaram has shrines devoted to Ganesha, Vishnu, Bhairava, Surya and Chandra.
Near this temple is an antediluvian settlement by the name Teevukkottai; the Nataraja image treasured at Mahendrapalli was apparently exhumed here.
History:
For his incorrect desire on Akalika wife of Maharshi Gautama, Indira was cursed by the Rishi to have eyes all over his body. He came to Earth and pleaded to Lord Shiva for relief in many places and this is one amid them. As Indira – Maha Indira worshipped here the place came to be known as Mahendirapalli. A temple was set up here later. Shiva is said to have exposed a hallucination of his Cosmic Dance to the sages here, at this shrine worshipped by Surya, Chandra, Indra and Bhrama. Sundarar has mentioned this shrine in his Patikam devoted to Tiruppunkur
Special Features:
The rays of Sun fall on the Lord in the month of Panguni, March-April.
Festivals:
The main festivals celebrated here as follows:
- Maha Shivrathri in February-March
- Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January
- Panguni Uthiram in February-March
- Tirukarthikai in November-December
Worships:
Those in anguish from the malevolent results of past birth (poorva janma karmas), those facing adverse effects due to Sun, Moon aspects in their horoscopes have a dip in the Brahma theertha in the temple for cures. As the sanctified spring is attributed to Lord Brahma the Creator, it is the faith of the people that Brahma would amend the destiny of the devotee positively. Devotees also pray for relief from snake aspects and to gain brilliance in academic pursuit.
Shlokas recited:
“Om Bootha Nathaya Vidhmahe Bava Nandhanaya Dheemahe Tanno Sastha Prachodayaath”
Meaning:
We worship Lord Shiva’s son, Ayyappa. Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa). May Ayyappa encourage our creativity.
“Mattha Mathanga Gamanam Karunyamrutha Pooritham Sarva Vigna Haram Devam Sastharam Pranamamyaham”
Meaning:
I salute Lord Ayyappa, who has an elephant’s gait, who is compassionate and who destroys all obstacles.
“Loka Veeryam Mahaa Poojyam Sarva Rakshaakaram Vibhum Parvathee Hirdya Anandham Saasthaaram Pranamaamyaham”
Meaning:
I bend down to Lord Shastha, who defends Dharma and Sastra and who brings happiness to Parvathi’s heart, the fearless warrior that protects all, who has great glory and who warrants great admiration and devoted worship.
“Bhoothanatha, Sadananda, Sarva Bhootha Daya Para, Raksha Raksha Maha Baho, Sasthre Thubham Namo Nama”
Meaning:
I offer my salutations to Lord Sastha, the master of all beings, who is infinitely every happy, who is merciful towards everyone, I pray, protect me great hero.
“Om Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi Thanno Saastha Prachodayaath”
Meaning:
We worship Lord Shiva’s son, Ayyappa. Salutations to Saastha (Ayyappa). May Ayyappa encourage our creativity.
The deity:
Sri Chandikeswara graces with his ensemble in the prakara. There is a distinct shrine for Lord Sri Vinayaka with Rahu and Ketu on both sides. Lord Muruga graces from His shrine with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. There are shrines of Sri Kasiviswanatha – Mother Visalakshi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Bhairavar and Saneeswarar-Saturn, Sun and Moon. There is no shrine for Navagrahas- 9 planets in the temple.
Temple timings:
The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Mahendirapalli Temple, Koiladipalayam, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
6 thoughts on “Mahendrapalli Temple, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu”
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My husband and I decided to have our temple tour and Mahendrapalli temple was one of the temples we dint want to miss visiting. This beautiful temple was midway between Chidambaram and Mayiladuturai and it was a pleasant drive along the seashore. It was an east facing temple with an elaborate three tiered Raja Gopuram . It is believed that Lord Shiva gave the sages a glimpse of his cosmic dance at this temple. Luckily for us during that time it was the Tamil month of Pakuni ,where in the sun ‘s rays falls on to the sanctum for nearly week and hymns in the worship of lord Indra were recited. I just felt we really lucky and blessed to be there.
My parents strongly believe in horoscopes and recently when they visited they were told that i have some Dosham in my horoscope and was advised to visit this temple. I don’t strongly believe in all this but dint want to hurt my parents and came here along with them. It was a beautiful temple and I was instructed to take a dip in the Brahma Theertham which is considered sacred and will help in removing all the negative energy from the body. In fact i was surprised to see a lot of people come there and perform various poojas for their children and for themselves.
I had visited this temple last year during Maha shivaratri and had a very nice experience here. The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers. The puja started early morning which happened in a very elaborate manner. Even cultural programs like classical dance, music , playing of the nadaswaram totally created a different atmosphere and i really enjoyed it.
Om Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe Bhavaputraya Dheemahi Thano Saashta Prachodayath.
The Mahendrapalli temple is one among the Shiva Sthalams that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Those who face poorva janma doshas must come and visit this temple . The temple remains open for quite a long time in the morning.
A pure and divine experience.