The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20th & 21st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular. This temple & Place is on the banks of River Kaveri. The temple one popular is now in a dilapidated condition.
Moolavar : Sri Aaravamitheeswarar Sri Panneesvarathu Mahadevar Consort :
Some of the salient features of this temple are....The temple is facing east with a Rishabam and balipeedam. Moolavar in the sanctum is about 6 feet on a round avudayar. Vinayagar, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Jyeshta Devi with Manthan and Manthi ( heavily eroded condition ) are found out side the temple. A Shiva Linga is in the ardha mandapa.
ARCHITECTUREThe Temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum and artha mandapam and about 3 feet higher than the ground level. With steps on the east side. The sobana was constructed during recent years. The artha mandapam is supported with 4 Vishnukantha pillars with Kalasam, Thadi, Kumbam, Pali, Palakai. The Pothyal are of Tharanga Pothigai. Out of 4 Pillars one was kept out side, might have fallen down. The Pothyals are made as an integral part of the beam.
The temple was constructed with stone from Adhisthana to prastaram. The adhisthana is of simple Padabandha adhisthana. Brahmakantha pillars with Kalasam, Kumbam, Palakai are supports the wall. The sala and Karna pathi are projected out side keeping aharai inner. No provision was given for the Koshtas. The prastaram is of kapotha style. Kapotha has the Nasikood with human / bhuta gana’s head images. The Nasis are spade type. Kodi karukku and Chandra mandalam are also shown of the prastaram. Bhuta ganas are shown in the valabi.
The Vimana was built with Chozha ( ..?) period bricks. The Vimana is of two thalas / dvithala. Since the Vimana was damaged very heavily, we couldn’t find further details. The Sanctum wall stones are also eroded heavily.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSExperts are of the opinion that the original temple might have constructed by the Pallavas ( Iconography of Brahma is of Pallava style ) and reconstructed with stone during Chozha’s period. Rajaraja-I’s 21 line inscription is found on the door side stone slab and Rajarajan-II period inscriptions also found on the back side wall. Rajaraja-I inscription mentions as “Salaikala marutha Kovi Rajarajakesari – சாலை கலமறுத்த கோவி ராஜராஜகேசரி”. Experts are of the opinion that this mentions is to signify the victory of Kerala Vizhinjam Fort and Kanthalur Salai.
As per the Rajaraja Period Inscription this place was called as Meeikottu Nattu Madhaana Marudur ( The temple is about a KM from Marudur Village ) and Lord Shiva was called as Naga Panneeswarathu Mahadevar and Aaravamitheeswarar.
The Rajaraja-I period inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which a land was gifted on Solar eclipse day.
LEGENDSThe temple might have been a big, famous and popular temple in the Village Marudur and Meeikottu Nadu during Pallava and Chozha period. Looking at the majestic look of Moolavar Shiva Linga, many miracles might have taken place due to the grace of Lord Shiva.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSUnder stood that special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri day and the days sponsored by the devotees.TEMPLE TIMINGSSince regular poojas are not conducted, the opening and closing of the temple is unpredictable.CONTACT DETAILS
HOW TO REACHThis temple at Mettu Marudur (mentioned as meetmardu in Google map ) is 31.5 KM from Woraiyur, 36.00 KM from Srirangam Temple, 33 Km from Main Guard Gate, 36 KM from Central Bus stand and Railway station, 90 KM from Thanjavur, 133 KM from Kumbakonam and 351 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway Station is Pettavaithalai and Junction is Tiruchirappalli.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Vinayagar along with Bhuta Ganas
Brahma - Seems to be of Pallava style
Rajathiraja's inscription
Rajarajan-I's inscription
Jyeshta Devi
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
Sri Panneesvarathu Mahadevar
The Rajaraja-I period inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which a land was gifted on Solar eclipse day.
Vinayagar along with Bhuta Ganas
Brahma - Seems to be of Pallava style
Rajathiraja's inscription
Rajarajan-I's inscription
Jyeshta Devi
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