Tiru-Maakaraleeswarar temple, Tirumaakaral
Location: Tirumaakaral
Deity known as: Tiru-Maakaraleeswarar, Adaikalam-Kaaththa Nathar
Female Deity: Tribhuvaneswari
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Tirumaakaraleeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located on the banks of the river Seyyaru, along the Kancheepuram – Uthiramerur route via Orikkai, about 16 km from Kancheepuram. Bus facilities are available from Kancheepuram. State Highway 118A runs close to this temple.
Temple Address
Maagaral Village
Uthiramerur Taluk
Kancheepuram District
PIN 631603
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Kuranganilmuttam - 14 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Vothur - 34 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Panankadu - 30 kms |
Temple Layout and Architecture
This Shiva temple is on the northern banks of the river 'Seyyaru'. The temple is east facing, showcasing a magnificent five-tiered Rajagopuram. There are two concentric prakarams within the temple.
Main Deities
The presiding deity Makaraleeshwarar, is a self-manifested Linga oriented towards east while TribhuvanaNayaki, the female deity, is oriented towards the south.
Prakaram Sannidhis
The prakaram around the sanctum houses sannidhis dedicated to:
- Poyya Vinayakar
- Arumukhar (Six-faced Muruga seated on peacock with two consorts, facing north)
- 63 Nayanmars
- Nalvar - The four Nayanmars (Appar, Tirugyanasambandhar, Sundarar, Manikkavasakar)
- Navagrahas
Unique Feature
The temple structure is elevated from the ground level, and a short flight of steps leads to the main complex where the sanctums are housed. The sanctum of the presiding deity is flanked by the Dwara Palakas. A distinctive feature of this temple is the Lingam of Makaraleeshwarar, which bears a unique form resembling the tail of a monitor lizard. It is believed that Shiva appeared in this form to King Rajendra Chozha at this sacred shrine.
Sacred Water Bodies
This temple is linked to two significant water bodies: Agni Theertham and Seyyaru.
Agni Theertham
According to the Sthala Purana, devotees who take a holy bath in Agni Theertham and offer sincere prayers to the presiding deity are believed to be relieved of the fear of Yamaloka and are blessed with eternal residence in Shivaloka.
Seyyaru River
The second sacred water body, Seyyaru, flows to the south of the temple, and visiting this shrine on Mondays is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that childless devotees who perform Anga Pradhakshina (circumambulation of the temple with one’s body) are blessed with progeny. The Sthala Purana further narrates that Devendra (Indra) worshipped the presiding deity at this temple and received divine blessings and benefits.
Pathikam Reference
The Pathikam composed by Tirugyanasambandhar is in first Tirumurai.
Temple History and Legend
Brahma's Penance
Brahma, who once took pride in his authority among the three trinities, incurred the wrath of Shiva and was afflicted with a curse. Seeking redemption, Brahma installed a Shiva Lingam at this sacred site and worshipped the deity with deep devotion. Pleased with his penance, Shiva relieved Brahma of the curse. Before returning to Satya Loka, Brahma is believed to have planted a jackfruit tree in the vicinity of the temple, which is said to have miraculously borne one fruit every day.
The Jackfruit Tree Legend
King Rajendra Chozha, captivated by the miraculous tree and its delectable fruit, issued a royal decree that the fruit should first be offered to Lord Nataraja at Chidambaram before being presented to him. In obedience to the king’s command, the local inhabitants would carry the fruit to Chidambaram for worship and thereafter transport it to the Chozha capital.
Witnessing the hardships endured by the local community, the son of an Andhanan (Brahmin) living nearby resolved to cut down the jackfruit tree. When the daily offerings of the fruit came to an end, the king discovered that the tree had been felled and ordered the exile of the person responsible. Royal guards were sent to carry out the sentence without delay, and the king himself accompanied them to personally oversee the execution of the punishment.
Divine Revelation
On his return journey, the king noticed a golden-hued monitor lizard hiding amidst the bushes on the outskirts of the area. When he attempted to capture it, the creature fled and disappeared into a snake pit. The king then commanded his men to dig out the pit in order to seize the monitor lizard. During this attempt, the creature’s tail was struck by their weapons, causing it to be injured and bleed profusely.
Witnessing this sight, the king was overwhelmed and fainted, falling to the ground. Upon regaining consciousness, he heard a divine voice commanding him to construct a temple at that very spot. Obeying the celestial injunction, King Rajendra Chozha established a Shiva temple at Tirumaakaral.
Gallery - Tirumaakaraleeswarar Temple
