Temple

Near Marthandam, where nature's greenery lie entwined with the calmness of the village, stands the Thirumalai Mahadeva temple. The shrine is believed to have been existing since the stone age, with the structure undergone changes over different periods of history. The shrine is the starting point of the holy Sivalaya ottam, a run through twelve Shiva temples undertaken on Shivrathri. The stone carvings available in the temple dates back to the eleventh century AD, during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. The deity of the shrine is called Munchirai Thirumalai Thevar and Soolapani.

Legend

Mythology considers the temple standing through all the four Yugas. In Kirudayugam it was known as Sreesylam, in Thirethayugam Swamy Sylam, in Dhwaparayuga Bavyasylam and in Kaliyuga Sivasylam. The temple is believed to have found mention in Ramayana and Mahabaratha.

This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam.

Architecture

A flight of stairs lead the devotees from the foothills to the shrine of Thirumalai Siva Temple. The Vimana or the roof of the central shrine is adorned with sculptures. The granite built garbhagriha, the carved pillars ad the corridors are reminiscent of the Chola architecture. There are two sreekoils, one for Lord Shiva and the other for Lord Krishna. There is a kodimaram, gold plated bali stone and a small statue of Nandi in the temple.

Darsan Info

Thirumalai Mahadevar temple timings :5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00PM. The temple is a part of the famed Sivalaya ottam conducted during Shivratri. It is from this temple from where the run to the twelve Shiva temples starts

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu

Famous Festival

Culture

Kanyakumari district is the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. This area of Kanyakumari district, with its location ear the Kerala border is a major trade centre. It is famous for honey, cashew nut processing and rubber.

Temple Rituals

The priests perform daily rituals like palliunartal, abhishekam, archana, neivedyam etc.

Special Rituals

Abhisekham or bathing is done with milk, curd, ghee, honey and the juice of tender coconuts

Additional Info