Maragathaleswarar Temple, Tiruveengoimalai
Location
Tiru-Eengoimalai
Deity
Maragathaleswarar, Maragathasalar
Female Deity
Maragathavalli
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
Gallery – Maragathachalar Temple, Tiruveengoimalai
How to Reach
This Shiva temple at Tiruveengoimalai is located near Kulithalai. There are two routes to Tiruveengoimalai – one from Kulithalai and another from Musiri.
Temple Address
Thiruengoimalai
Thiru-Inga-Nathamalai, Via Manamedu
Thottiyam Taluk
Tiruchirappalli District
PIN – 621209
Temple Hours
Morning : 10:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:30 - 6:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Description
Temple Layout
Among the relatively few Shiva temples perched atop hillocks in Tamil Nadu, Tiru-Eengoimalai occupies a special place. Situated on the northern bank of the River Kaveri in Tiruchirappalli district, this ancient temple derives its name from a fascinating legend. It is believed that Sage Agastya worshipped Shiva here in the form of a housefly, known as "Ee" in Tamil, giving rise to the name Eengoimalai. The hill is also revered as Shiva Shakthi Malai, for Goddess Parvathi is said to have performed worship at this sacred site. The temple crowns a modest hill and can be reached by climbing approximately 500 steps. Though the ascent is considerably easier than that of Tiruvatpokki Hill, pilgrims are advised to proceed at a comfortable pace, as the pathway offers little shade or resting space. At the foot of the hill stands a distinctive stone lamp pillar, a characteristic feature of many temples in the Kongu region, along with a sannidhi dedicated to Sage Bhogar. One of the temple's most remarkable features is the ever-burning lamp in the sanctum. Despite the presence of wind, the flame is said to remain steady and undisturbed, earning the presiding deity the revered title "Asala Eeswarar" – the Lord whose lamp never flickers. Upon entering the temple complex and circumambulating the prakaram, devotees encounter a spacious and ancient open courtyard. The inner precinct houses sannidhis for Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Murugan, the Navagrahas, and the four principal Nayanmars. The temple is architecturally distinctive in having separate vimanams and dwajasthambams for Maragadhachalar and Goddess Maragadhavalli. In addition, a separate sannidhi is dedicated to Bala Dhandayudhapani, further enhancing the spiritual significance of this sacred hill temple.
The Emerald Linga & Its Spiritual Significance
The Shiva Linga of the presiding deity Maragathachalar, as the name suggests, emanates an emerald-green hue. During Shivaratri, as the first rays of the morning sun touch the temple, the sunlight illuminates the lingam, revealing colours that seem to shift with each passing moment. This display of light and colour is further accentuated during the Deeparathana ritual, when the offering of lamps casts a radiant glow upon the lingam. The temple's significance is further underscored by the fact that the renowned Sangam poet Nakkirar composed a garland of 70 verses titled 'Eenkoi Ezupathu' in honour of the presiding deity. Within the sanctum of Goddess Maragadhavalli, devotees are greeted by two distinct forms of Durga – one depicting her triumphant victory over the demon Mahishasura, and the other exuding a gentle, benevolent presence. This rare juxtaposition of Durga's fierce and compassionate aspects in a single place adds to the temple's unique spiritual allure.
View from Eengoi Hill
From the vantage point of Eengoi Hill, one can behold the Kaveri River flowing to the south, with the Tiruvatpokki (Ayyarmalai) temple gracing its opposite bank.
Temple History & Legend
The Legend of the Falling Gems
According to an ancient legend, Adi Shesha, the king of serpents, and Vayu, the god of wind, once engaged in a fierce contest to prove their supremacy. During the struggle, Adi Shesha coiled himself tightly around the mighty Mount Meru, exerting such immense pressure that fragments of precious gemstones were dislodged and scattered across the earth. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and red pearls are said to have fallen at different sacred locations, each of which later became renowned as a Shiva kshetra. Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is believed to be the spot where the emeralds (Maragadam) fell. Owing to this association, the presiding deity came to be revered as Maragadhachaleshwarar, meaning "The Lord of the Emerald Hill." The other gemstones are also associated with celebrated Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu. Diamonds are believed to have fallen at Tiru-Pandi-Kodumudi, rubies at Tiruvatpokki, sapphires at the sacred Podhigai Hills, and red pearls at Tiruvannamalai.
The Triveni Pilgrimage Tradition
Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is the final temple in the traditional list of Paadal Petra Sthalams situated on the northern bank of the River Kaveri. This temple holds special significance as part of a revered pilgrimage circuit involving three ancient Shiva temples located in the Kulithalai region of present-day Karur district: Tiru-Eengoi-Malai, Tiruvatpokki, and Tirukadambanthurai. According to local tradition, devotees who worship at all three temples on the same day are believed to receive immense spiritual merit and divine blessings. The pilgrimage is ideally undertaken by visiting the temples in a prescribed sequence: Tirukadambanthurai in the morning, Tiruvatpokki at noon, and finally the Maragadhachaleshwarar Temple at Tiru-Eengoi-Malai in the evening. Of the three temples, Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is classified among the Paadal Petra Sthalams located north of the River Kaveri, while Tiruvatpokki and Tirukadambanthurai belong to the group of temples situated south of the river. Although this pilgrimage may be undertaken on any day of the year, it is regarded as particularly auspicious when performed on a Monday during the Tamil month of Karthigai.
Gallery – Maragathachalar Temple, Tiruveengoimalai
