There are 2 'Paadal Petra Sthalam' in the name of Tirumullaivayil. To differentiate between the two, the one located in Thondai Nadu is known as Vada-tirumullaivayil and other one near Sirkazhi is known as Then-tirumullaivayil (North of river Cauvery).
This ancient temple, dating back to almost 1200 years, is glorified by Sundarar in his pathikam. After Sundarar lost his eyesight at Tiruvotriyur, he came to Tirumullaivayil, and composed a pathikam consisting 11 stanzas, praising the deity of this temple.
King Thondaiman, the ruler of Thondai Naadu with Kancheepuram as its capital, found himself in a fierce battle against the Kurumbars, led by Onan and Kanthan, who served as the army commanders for King Vanasuran. See also - Onakanthantali, named after Onan and Kanthan. Unfortunately, King Thondaiman suffered defeat in this battle, leaving him feeling disheartened. As he made his way back from the battlefield on his majestic elephant, an unexpected incident occurred. The elephant's legs became entangled with a creeper known as Juhi Jasmin, also called Mullai, rendering the elephant unable to move. Determined to free his loyal companion, the king resorted to using his sword to cut through the creeper. To his astonishment, blood began to flow from beneath the creeper. Upon further investigation, the king discovered a sacred Shivalinga hidden beneath the creeper. At that moment, Lord Shiva himself appeared before the king, imparting his blessings and sending Nandi, his divine bull, to aid the king in his battle against his enemies once more. With the assistance of Nandi, King Thondaiman emerged victorious in the war. In gratitude for the divine intervention that led to his triumph, the king decided to construct a temple at Thiruvadamullaivayil as a token of his appreciation to God.
The grand 'gopuram' located at the southern gateway acts as the primary entrance to the temple, while the eastern entrance remains closed and unused. Upon entering through the southern gateway, one can observe an enclosure supported by 15 pillars. Prasanna Vinayaka greets visitors as they move past the enclosure. Above the wall that runs along, behind the shrine of Prasanna Vinayaka, A scurlpture depicting the Temple Legend - King cutting through the creeper with his sword, A shivalinga beneath the creeper - is seen. Upon passing through another inner gateway, visitors encounter the sanctum of the female deity Kodi Idai Nayaki, facing east. Continuing along the path, one reaches the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity, Masilamani Eeshwarar, also facing east. This unique arrangement, where 'Eeswaran' and 'Ambal' are positioned next to each other, with Ambal placed to the right of Eeswaran, holds special significance in the temple's architecture. The Vimana of the Sanctum is intricately designed to resemble the backside of an elephant, known as Gajaprushtam. Kalyana Theertham, the sacred water associated with the temple, is located outside the temple premises, to the right of the southern entrance.
The presiding deity, Masilamani Eeshwarar, appears in His sanctum as a self manifested Linga facing east. The cut mark from the sword can be seen on the deity. As a result of this mark, the deity is adorned with a sandalwood paste at all times. However, once a year, specifically during the Tamil month of 'Chitirai' on the auspicious day of the star 'Sadhaya', the old sandal paste is carefully wiped off and replaced with a fresh layer. It is worth noting that the ritualistic 'Abisheka' is exclusively performed for the 'Avudayar', the sacred base of the deity.
Sculptures in Tirumullaivayil temple.
The nandi statue is depicted in a state of preparedness to assist King Thodaiman. For this reason, Instead of the typical orientation towards the deity within the temple, the nandi faces outwards towards the east,. The idols of the primary four nayanmar and all 63 nayanmar, are seen in the pathway surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is positioned on the northern side of this pathway, with his gaze directed towards the south. Outside the sanctum, various divine figures are present, including the Dwarapalakas, Thondaiman, Neelakanta Shivacharya, and Mahavishnu along with his consorts Sreedevi and BhooDevi. Beside them is a Shivalinga made of an amalgamation of Mercury and Silver, consecrated at a later period. Worshipping Kodi Idai Nayaki, on a full moon evening is considered highly auspicious.
Saint Arunagirinathar, a revered poet and devotee, has composed three beautiful songs in praise of Lord Muruga in his Tirupugazh. In this temple, there is a separate shrine located on the northern side of the outer 'Prahara', where Lord Muruga is depicted with his four divine hands, facing east. He is accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai. On the eastern side of the outer 'Prahara', there is another separate shrine dedicated to Bhairava, who is depicted facing south. Interestingly, this temple does not have a shrine dedicated to Navagraha, the nine celestial deities. According to ancient legends, Sage Vasishta, a revered sage, chose this sacred place to perform his penance. As a result of his sincere penance, he was blessed with the divine cow Kamadenu. The flagpost, Altar and nandhi are also located in front of the easter gateway.
Entrance from the south and enclosure with 16 pillars
Altar, Flagpost, and Nandhi
View from eastern corridor
A Sannidhi in the prahara
View from eastern entrance
South Tower and Ambal Sannidhi Tower
Another shrine in the prahara
Eastern gateway
Kalyana Theertham