This is the 118th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st Sthalam on the south bank of river Cauvery in Chozha Naadu. This place was called as Thiru Vatpokki and now called as Iyermalai / Ayyarmalai. Since Lord Shiva blesses from this temple, called as Iyermalai. It is believed that, it will be auspicious to worship "Morning Kadambar at Kulithalai, after noon Rathnagiriswarar at Thiruvatpokki ( Iyermalai ) and Evening Sri Maragadachaleswarar at Thiru Engoi malai".
In Periyapuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar Visited this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Venjamangudalur of Kongu Nadu. ( மாணிக்க வெற்பு – இரத்தினகிரி – ஐயர் மலை – Iyermalai )
செல்வக் கருவூர்த்திரு ஆனிலைக்கோயில் சென்று இறைஞ்சிநல்இசைவண் தமிழ்ச் சொல்தொடை பாடி அந்நாடு அகன்றுமல்லிக மாணிக்க வெற்புமுதல் ஆவணங்கி வந்துபங்கு திரைப்பொன்னித் தென்கரைத்தானம் பலபணிவார்
In Periya Puranam Sekkizhar also records that Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal Visited this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirukadampathurai. But he didn’t mentioned this temple in particular.
சிலந்திக்கு அருளும் கழல்வணங்கக் செஞ்சொல் மாலை பலபாடிஇலங்கு சடையார் எறும்பியூர் மாலையும் இறைஞ்சிப் பாடியபின்மலர்ந்த சோதித் திருச்சிராப் பள்ளி மலையும் கற்குடியும்நலங்கொள் செல்வத் திருப்பராய்த் துறையும் தொழுவான் நண்ணினார்……… திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் புராணம்
Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. In that Thirugnanasambandar’s hymns is not available. Arunagirinathar also praises both Murugan and Lord Shiva. He praises Lord Shiva as “Oppila Manickavasa..” in his Thiruppugazh.
கால பாசம் பிடித்தெழு தூதுவர்பால கர்விருத் தர்பழை யார் எனார்ஆல நீழல் அமர்ந்த வாட்போக்கியார்சீலம் ஆர்ந்தவர் செம்மையுள் நிற்பரே………. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் பக்தியால் யானுனைப் பலகாலும்பற்றியே மாதிருப் புகழ்பாடிமுத்தனா மாறெனப் பெருவாழ்வின்முத்தியே சேர்வதற் கருள்வாயேஉத்தமதானசற் குணர்நேயாஒப்பிலாமாமணிக் கிரிவாசாவித்தகாஞானசத் திநிபாதாவெற்றிவேலாயுதப் பெருமாளே ……… அருணகிரிநாதர் திருப்புகழ் ---“ஓங்காது நாட்போக்கி நிற்கும் நவையுடையார் நாடரிதாம்வாட்போக்கி மேவுகின்ற வள்ளலே.…….. திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Rathnagiriswarar, Sri Arathanachaleswarar, Sri Manicka Easar, Sri Mudi Thazhumbar.Consort : Sri Surumbar Kuzhali..
Some of the important features of this temple are....An entrance arch is at the base of the hill and the hill is 342 meter ( 1178 feet ) high. At foot hills sannadhi for Vinayagar, Karuppasamy, Nalvar and Vishwakarma Ganapathy are in a big mandapam. On the way up the hill the Ponnidum Paarai, Where Sage Sundarar got the gold from Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Padam at Ponnidum Paarai, belongs to Lord Shiva.
Saptamatrikas are at the middle of the hill. There are many small mandapas to take rest, on the hill. At end of the steep steps Sannadhi for Vinayagar.
There are 1017 neatly and evenly paved steps to reach the top of the hill. Monkey menace is too high in this hill shrine. There are number of natural caves on this hill and it is believed that Rishis are in penance. Vinayagar and Ambal Surumbar Kuzhali Amman sannidhis after 750 steps called “Ukanthan Padi”
The Sanctum sanctorum is built on the rocky hill facing west. Moolavar is of Swayambhu. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar in place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. There is a tub in front of moolavar sannadhi.
In prakaram Natarajar Sabha with Sivakami, Chandran and Suriyan are along with their wives.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThe original temple might have existed before 6th to 7th Century and reconstructed as a stone temple during Kulothunga Chozha-II period and further maintained / extended by Pandyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagaras. About 50 inscriptions, are inscribed on the walls and adisthana of Moolavar and Ambal Sannadhis.
The Inscriptions belongs to Chozha Kings Parakesari Varman Rajendran - II ( 1053 – 1063 CE ), Kulothunga Chozha-I, Vikrama Chozha, Rajathi Rajan-II. Kulothunga Chozha-III and Rajarajan-III, Pandya King Jadavarman Sundara Pandyan-I, Vijayanagara Dynasty Ariyanna Udayar’s Son Viruppanna Udayar-II, Veera Narasimha boopala Maharayar, Sadasivadeva Maharayar and Hoysala Kings Veera Someswaran, Veera Ramanathan. (See the Annual Reports on South Indian Epigraphy for the year 1914 No. 144-191)
As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Manickamalai Mahadevar, Manickamalai Udaya Nayanar and Thirumanickamalai Udaya Thambiranar. Established by Sivapatda sekarapura Merchant Thirugnanasambandar Nambi. Ambal was called as Thirukamakottamudaya Periya nachiyar. Palliyarai Nachiyar was established by Vada Kongu Rajarajapuram Pukazhur Damodaran alias Pillaikadiyar.
Dakshinamurthy was established and Steps were built by Sivapadarsekarapuram a merchant Chitrambalamudayan Kal Nallisaialan. An inscription in the form of song records that Sanctum was built with stone by Adavidanga Pichan. Mandapa was built by the Sivapadarsekaraththu Nagarathars.
Sathan Sethirayan’s one of the Akampadi Mudali called Kongaraikonda Pallavarayan fixed the doors for the mandapa and steps for the same. He also built the Thirumadaivilakam at the base of the Hill.
Established endowments for the Vaikasi month festival, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Maha Shivaratri, to Bring water from Kaveri for Lord Shiva’s Thirumanjanam, Naivedyam for Urchavars on festival days at Mandapam. For Naivedyam Sivapada Sekaranallur, Nallur Udayan gave donations. For Naivedyam to Dakshinamurthy, Sivapada Sekarapuram merchant gave a gift of 2 ma Land.
Kulothunga-I’s 40th reign year inscription records the endowment feeding food for the Devaradiyars, Siva Yogi, Thabasis at Ezhunootruvan Thirumadam, by Vad Kongu Rajarajapuram Pukazhur, Damodaran alias Pillaikadiyan for which donations were made.
Chozha King Kulothunga Chozha-I’s 47th reign year inscription records the endowment of feeding food for the Apoorvis and for the same donation was also made.
The Kaveri river water is taken daily for Lord Shiva’s Abhishekam and the same was brought by “Pannirandam Chettiar- பன்னிரண்டாம் செட்டியார்” and Chozhiya Vellalars. The Temple car, Vahanas and Jewels are under the control of these Chettiars. As per the Madras district Gazetteer of 1907, Trichinopoly 1931, Page 281, 284 and 285, 11 Chettiars of Kaveripoompattinam came to this temple and shared their wealth. Each time they share it has come as 12 parts. Realizing the 12th part belongs to Lord Shiva of this temple and they gave it to the temple. By doing so they were become the relatives / pangalis – பங்காளிகள், of lord Shiva. Hence They were called as 12- Chettiars – Pannirendam Chettiars. This was mentioned in the Vatpokki Kalambakam and Rathnagiri Uzha.
As per the inscriptions this hill was used by the Jain monks and jain beds are also created for them.
Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th Feb 2008.
In Periya Puranam Sekkizhar also records that Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal Visited this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirukadampathurai. But he didn’t mentioned this temple in particular.
………. திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
---“ஓங்காது
Moolavar : Sri Rathnagiriswarar, Sri Arathanachaleswarar,
Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th Feb 2008.
LEGENDS
It s believed that Indra, Jayanthan, Vayu, Adhiseshan, Panchapandavas during their exile and Agasthiyar on the way to Podhigai Hills worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Now it is called as Iyermalai / Ayyarmalai, Rathnagiri and Sivayamalai. Agasthiar Worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple on one of the Noon time, hence worshiping during noon time is believed to be auspicious and called as Manicka Sundarar.
It is believed that Indran used to come and worship Lord Shiva through 9 holes, on the opposite of the moolavar in the form of thunder & lightning once in 12 years (?). To prove that the garland and vastharam of moolavar was seen burnt on the next day even these years. The abhisheka milk will turn to curd.
It is believed that Indran used to come and worship Lord Shiva through 9 holes, on the opposite of the moolavar in the form of thunder & lightning once in 12 years (?). To prove that the garland and vastharam of moolavar was seen burnt on the next day even these years. The abhisheka milk will turn to curd.
The moolavar head looks like chopped and a scar can be seen on the top. The legend goes like this….. Lord Shiva made to disappear the Crown studded with Manickam / ruby stone of an Arya King. He searched and couldn’t find the same. When he came to know, that the crown was with Lord Shiva of this temple. So he came to this temple and prayed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva promised to give back the Crown after the king filled the tub with Kaveri water. When he couldn’t do it, he throw the sword which hits the Shiva Linga and flood was gushing out. The King felt guilty and tried to kill himself by hitting his head on the wall. Lord Shiva appeared and blessed him with his crown. Since Lord Shiva made to disappear the Sword – Vaal in Tamil, this place was called as Thiruvatpokki. There is a tub is there still, in the name of “Poivasi kopparai” and the King’s idol is in this temple. Since a King worshiped Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva is also called as “Raja Lingaa Moorthy”.
In one of the legend, Adhiseshan and Vayu used to fight with each other, claiming each one as greatest and strongest. This time Adhiseshan, holds Meru hill. Vayu blow the hill but couldn’t do so, but some pieces were blown out from the mount meru. This hill is one of the peak called Rathnagiri.
As per hear say a shepherd went with milk pot for Lord Shiva’s abhishekam, a crow toppled the milk pot. It is believed that the crow was burnt by Lord Shiva, hence there won’t fly any crows on this hill and called as “Kakam anuka malai- காகம் அனுகா மலை”--- and as per Nagapattinam Thalapurana “காகம் மேவுறில் கடுந்தழல் வீசிடும் பரம்பு”.
When Sundarar came to this temple, the hill was visible to him like Jyothi and Rathnam. So he stopped climbing the hill further from Ponnidumparai. Sundarar Prayed to Lord Shiva, requesting him for Gold. Lord Shiva asked his Bhootaganas to shower the gold on this place and Lord Shiv gave darshan at “Onru pathi” place. In remembrance of this, 5th day of Chithra festival is celebrated at this place. Hence this place is called as “Ponnidum Parai”. believed that Indra, Jayanthan, Vayu, Adhiseshan Pancha Pandavas during their exile and Agasthiyar on the way to Pothigai Hills worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Now it is called as Iyermalai / Ayyarmalai, Rathnagiri and Sivayamalai. Agasthiar Worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple on one of the Noon time, hence worshiping during noon time is believed to be auspicious and called as Manicka Sundarar.
It is believed that Indran used to come and worship Lord Shiva through 9 holes, on the opposite of the moolavar in the form of thunder & lightning once in 12 years (?). To prove that the garland and vasthram of moolavar was seen burnt on the next day even these years. The abhisheka milk will turn to curd.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from Regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on 10 days festival starts on Hastha nakshatra day in the month Chithirai ( April – May ), Somavarams ( Mondays ) in the month Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thaipoosam and Theerthavari in the month Thai ( February ), Pournami ( Full Moon Days ), Amavasai ( New Moon Days ) and Pradosham. On Pournami days devotees circumambulate the hill, called Girivalam.
TEMPLE TIMINGS : The temple will be kept opened between 10.00 Hrs to 17.00 Hrs, since it is a hill temple, Gurukkal used to stay in the temple itself, during the above time.
CONTACT DETAILS : The temple office may be contacted over phone 04323 245 522 for further details.Temple website: http://www.ayyarmalai.tnhrce.in/Another web site : http://www.ayyarmalai.in/Email: eoayyarmalai@gmail.com
HOW TO REACH : From Kulithalai Cauvery river bridge junction, all the buses going towards Manapparai, passes through this hill.The temple is 10 KM from Kulithalai, 33 KM from Manapparai, 41 KM from Karur, 43 KM from Tiruchirappalli and 362 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is Kulithalai,
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Ponnidumparai
Saptamatrikas
Three pillar Mandapa
Chozha period Inscriptions---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
In one of the legend, Adhiseshan and Vayu used to fight with each other, claiming each one as greatest and strongest. This time Adhiseshan, holds Meru hill. Vayu blow the hill but couldn’t do so, but some pieces were blown out from the mount meru. This hill is one of the peak called Rathnagiri.
As per hear say a shepherd went with milk pot for Lord Shiva’s abhishekam, a crow toppled the milk pot. It is believed that the crow was burnt by Lord Shiva, hence there won’t fly any crows on this hill and called as “Kakam anuka malai- காகம் அனுகா மலை”--- and as per Nagapattinam Thalapurana “காகம் மேவுறில் கடுந்தழல் வீசிடும் பரம்பு”.
Ponnidumparai
Saptamatrikas
Three pillar Mandapa
Chozha period Inscriptions
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