Mahalingaswamy Temple - Thiruvidaimaruthur, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Mahalingaswamy Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Mahalingaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvidaimaruthur in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple complex is one of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu, and among the must-include places in the Kumbakonam leisure packages. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century-CE Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

History of Mahalingaswamy Temple

The present masonry edifice was constructed in the 9th century under the Chola dynasty, with subsequent expansions credited to the Thanjavur Nayaks in the 16th century. The temple features 149 inscriptions that reflect contributions from the Pandyas, Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks, and the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. At present, the Mahalingeswarar Temple is overseen and preserved by a South Indian monastic organization known as Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.

Mythology of Mahalingaswamy Temple

The temple and the city of Kumbakonam are steeped in a fascinating legend. According to the tale, after a devastating tsunami ravaged the earth, Lord Brahma sought guidance from Lord Shiva on how to initiate the process of creation anew. Lord Shiva instructed him to fashion a magical pot from sand collected from various sacred locations and to release it into the floodwaters. Kumbakonam is recognized as the site where this pot eventually settled. Subsequently, Lord Shiva, disguised as a hunter, shot an arrow at the pot, causing the nectar (amirtham) to spill forth. It is believed that the drops of nectar fell at five distinct locations near Kumbakonam, which later became the sites of five temples: the Mahalingeswarar temple at Tiruvidaimaruthur, Tirudharasuram, Naganathar Temple at Tirunageswaram, Tiruvorgam, and Tirupadalavanam.

Another narrative associated with the temple recounts an incident involving a Chola prince who, after killing a Brahmin, was pursued by the latter's spirit. To evade the spirit, the prince sought refuge in the Mahalingeswarar Temple, praying to his beloved deity, Shiva, for protection. Following his prayer, he exited through the second gopuram. This tradition continues today, as pilgrims enter the temple through the main gopuram and exit via the second gopuram after their worship.

Architecture of Mahalingaswamy Temple

Sri Mahalingaswamy Temple, also referred to as Thiruvidaimarudur Temple, was built in the Dravidian architectural style, following a rectangular layout. The temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram and consists of three precincts, each surrounded by substantial walls and equipped with gateway towers. The sanctum enshrines Mahalingaswamy, represented by a lingam, which is revered as Jothimayalingam. This temple is recognized as one of the seven principal Shiva temples; with this particular lingam serving as the central focus for the seven consorts of Shiva. Additionally, the temple is home to an impressive shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Shiva's consort, depicted as Bruhatsundarakuchaambigai amman.

Within the temple complex, there are five sacred water tanks: Karunyamirdha Theertham, Soma Theertham, Kanaga Theertham, Kalyana Theertham, and Iravatha Theertham. Furthermore, the temple is associated with 27 other water bodies. A separate shrine for Mookambiga, constructed in the North Indian style, marks the location where Parvati is believed to have engaged in penance. The temple underwent significant expansion during the Nayak period in the 16th century, which included the establishment of twin shrines for Mahalinga and Devi. Additional shrines dedicated to Muruga, Nataraja, Padithurai Vinayagar, and Agora Veerabadrar can also be found within the temple grounds. Currently, the temple complex includes a Saiva Siddantha library that offers palm leaf manuscripts and literature related to Saivism.

Festivals of Mahalingaswamy Temple

The Sri Mahalingaswamy Temple located in Thiruvidaimarudur hosts two prominent annual festivals: Thaipusam, which occurs in January or February, and the Thirukkalyanam Utsavam/Vasantha Utsavam celebrated in May. In addition to these, the temple also observes other important festivals such as Karthigai Deepam, Navaratri, Shivaratri, and Arudra Darsanam. Thaipusam is a ten-day celebration featuring the decoration of idols, their placement on wooden chariots, and the procession of these chariots along the four Mada Streets. The festival concludes with the Theerthavari celebration on the final day of Thaipusam.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Mahalingaswamy Temple

When planning a visit to the Mahalingaswamy Temple in Thiruvidaimarudur, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Mahalingaswamy Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4:30 PM - 8 PM

Mahalingaswamy Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Mahalingaswamy Temple

The ideal period to explore Mahalingaswamy Temple in Thiruvidaimaruthur is during the winter season, from October to February, when the climate is enjoyable and temperatures are cooler. This is also the best time to visit Mahalingaswami Temple as the annual Thaipusam takes place during this time when is adorned with vibrant decorations and lights, attracting thousands of tourists and pilgrims who come to partake in the festivities. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the peak summer months of April to June, as the heat in Tamil Nadu can be quite intense, making temple tours uncomfortable.

How to Reach Mahalingaswamy Temple

Trichy Airport is the nearest airport, situated about 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station provides comprehensive train services to numerous cities, including Chennai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Furthermore, bus services connect Kumbakonam with all parts of Tamil Nadu. Travelers can utilize bus services or opt for a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Mahalingaswami Temple in Thiruvidaimaruthur.