History & Origin
The Tiruvidaimaruthur Shri Mahalingaswamy Temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in South India, revered as much as Kashi (Varanasi).
The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahalingaswamy (Shiva) and his consort Sri Brihannayaki (Perunalamamulai Amman).
The name Tiru-idaimaruthur comes from the sacred tree Marudha maram (Terminalia arjuna), considered the sthala vriksha of the temple.
The temple is historically associated with King Varaguna Pandya, who was absolved of the dreaded Brahmahathi dosham here through the Lord’s grace.
The vast complex, with magnificent gopurams (tower gateways), multiple shrines, and intricate sculptures, showcases the Chola architectural brilliance.
Pancha Linga Kshetram
Tiruvidaimaruthur is a Pancha Linga Kshetram - where five forms of Shiva are worshipped:
Mookambigai Linga
Padikkasu Linga
Kasi Linga
Chandikeswara Linga
Mahalinga (the presiding deity)
Devotees believe that a visit to this temple is equivalent to worshipping at all Shiva temples and even visiting Kashi.
Spiritual Legends
King Varaguna Pandya
The king once committed the grave sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahathi Dosham). Burdened with this sin, he wandered until he reached Mahalingaswamy temple, where he was relieved after performing sincere penance. Hence, the temple is hailed as a dosha nivarthi sthalam.
Saint Pattinathar
Pattinathar, the great Tamil saint and poet, was born in Tiruvidaimaruthur. His deep devotional hymns and philosophy of renunciation highlight the spiritual richness of this land.
Sri Sridhara Ayyaval
The nearby village Tiruvisainallur was home to Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval (1635–1720 CE), a saint and composer known for Nama Mahima (glory of chanting the divine name).
Ayyaval frequented Mahalingaswamy temple and received divine assurance from the Lord that this kshetra is as sacred as Kashi.
The famous miracle of the Ganga occurred when Ayyaval’s devotion brought the holy river Ganga into the well of his house - a grace linked to Mahalingaswamy. Even today, devotees celebrate this as Ganga Jayanthi.
Significance & Dosha Nivarthi
The temple is considered a powerful remedy center for various doshas:
Brahmahathi Dosham (sin of killing a Brahmin or grave karmic burden)
Pitru Dosham (ancestral afflictions)
Navagraha Dosham (planetary afflictions)
Marriage & Childbirth obstacles
Negative karmas from past births
It is firmly believed that praying at Mahalingaswamy Temple equals a pilgrimage to Kashi, ensuring liberation and relief from sins.
Rituals, Poojas & Aarti
Daily worship follows the Shaiva Agama traditions:
Kalasandhi Pooja (Morning) – 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
Uchikala Pooja (Midday) – 12:00 PM
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) – 6:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja (Night) – 8:30 PM
Special Abhishekams (ritual bathing of the linga) are performed with water, milk, honey, curd, sandal paste, and vibhuti. Deepa aradhana (lamp worship) and Aarti mark the climax of every puja, filling the temple with divine energy.
On Pradosham days (twice a month), special pujas attract thousands of devotees. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on a grand scale with all-night worship.
Temple Timings
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
(Timings may vary slightly on festival days)
Must-Visit Highlights
Mahalingaswamy Sanctum – the main deity, worshipped as the universal form of Shiva.
Pancha Linga shrines – representing the unity of all Shiva temples.
Temple tank (Pushkarini) – sacred for ritual bathing and dosha nivarthi.
Saintly connection – Birthplace of Pattinathar, and the divine leelas with Sridhara Ayyaval nearby.
Kumbakonam Circuit – Located close to Kumbakonam, the temple is part of the Maha Maham yatra circuit.
Why Every Devotee Should Visit
To experience the spiritual sanctity of Kashi, right in Tamil Nadu.
To seek dosha nivarthi - relief from karmic afflictions and sins.
To honor saints like Pattinathar and Sridhara Ayyaval, who lived and attained divine grace here.
To immerse oneself in the rich Tamil Shaiva culture, rituals, and architecture.
The Tiruvidaimaruthur Shri Mahalingaswamy Temple is not just a temple - it is a gateway to liberation. With its rich legends, saintly associations, rituals, and divine grace, it continues to draw seekers from across the world. For those burdened by doshas, sins, or karmic afflictions, worship here is said to guarantee peace, relief, and moksha.
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