Abodes of Shiva

The temple which is situated on South Mada street is easily approached and despite the vegetable market which lies just outside its portals, the temple enjoys a quietude which is typical to any shrine of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is in Linga roopa in this shrine and his consort is Kamakshi Amman. The temple was established by the Sengunthars, who are the traditional trustees of this temple. Here Kamakshi abides in a separate shrine and is said to possess the attributes of both Saraswati and Lakshmi. She blesses her devotees with knowledge as well as wealth. The lord and goddess here rest in the mirror palace called the 'ardhajama palliarai'. Vinayaka, accompanied by his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi, can be seen right at the forecourt of the temple. Vinayaka the brahmachari also gives darshan in the same temple. Lord Muruga is here as Muthukumaraswamy. The temple also has the shrines of Soorya, Veerabhadra, Annamalaiyar, Unnamalai Ambigai, Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Kasi Viswanatha and Nataraja. The Utsava moorthy of Arumuga and Bhairava are also found here. Outside the divine consorts' bedroom, one can see Somaskanda moorthy. In the outer precincts are the Navagrahas. Just opposite Sani bhagavan one can see Sukra worshipping Lord Shiva under a tree to regain sight. Worshipping here restores vision, believe devotees.

Legends say that during the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sukrachariar who was the preceptor of Asuras tried to prevent the gifting of land to Vamana by King Maveli or Mahabali. Angered by this uncalled-for intervention, Vamana poked the eye of Sukra with the darba grass, thus blinding him. Sukra prayed intensely to Lord Shiva who was present in the form of Velleeswarar in Thirumayilai.

The temple celebrates a number of important festivals chief among which is the Vaikasi Peruvizha. This festival includes the Adhikara Nandi, Rishaba Vahanam, the temple car festival, restoration of sight to Sukra festival and Thirukalyanam. The temple opens every day at 6 a.m. The morning pujas include Thiruvanandhal, Kalai Sandhi, Uchikala pujai after which the temple closes at noon. The temple reopens in the evening at 4 p.m. for the Sayankala puja and closes at 9 p.m. after the Ardhajama puja when the god and goddess are put to sleep. The monthly pujas include pradosham, krithigai, pournami, visakam, thiruvadhirai and mada shivarathri.