There are 2 'Paadal Petra Sthalam' in the name of Tirumullaivayil. To differentiate them, 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 historic temple, which has existed for nearly 1200 years, is celebrated by Sundarar in his pathikam. Following the loss of his sight in Tiruvotriyur, Sundarar traveled to Tirumullaivayil, where he composed an 11-stanza pathikam in honor of the temple's deity.
King Thondaiman, the sovereign of Thondai Naadu with Kancheepuram as its capital, faced a formidable challenge in battle against the Kurumbars, commanded by Onan and Kanthan, who were loyal to King Vanasuran. Following a disheartening defeat, Thondaiman returned from the battlefield atop his grand elephant, only to encounter an unforeseen complication when the elephant's legs became ensnared by 'mullai' a creeper known as Juhi Jasmin. In his effort to liberate his steadfast companion, the king used his sword to sever the creeper, only to be astonished when blood emerged from beneath it. Upon closer examination, he uncovered a sacred Shivalinga concealed beneath the creeper, prompting the appearance of Lord Shiva, who bestowed blessings upon the king and sent Nandi, his divine bull, to assist in the ongoing conflict. With Nandi's support, King Thondaiman achieved victory in the war, and in gratitude for this divine intervention, he resolved to build a temple at Thiruvadamullaivayil as a gesture of appreciation to the deity. See also - Onakanthantali, named after Onan and Kanthan.
The prominent gopuram at the southern entrance serves as the main access point to the temple, while the eastern entrance remains inactive. Upon entering through the southern gateway, visitors are greeted by an enclosure supported by 15 pillars, with Prasanna Vinayaka welcoming them as they proceed. Behind the Prasanna Vinayaka sannidhi, a sculpture illustrating the temple's legend—depicting a king severing a creeper with his sword and a shivalinga positioned beneath it—can be observed along the wall. After passing through another inner gateway, visitors arrive at the sanctum of the female deity Kodi Idai Nayaki, oriented towards the east. Continuing further leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the principal deity, Masilamani Eeshwarar, also facing east. This architectural arrangement, where Eeswaran and Ambal are situated adjacent to one another, with Ambal on the right, is of particular significance. The Vimana of the sanctum is elaborately crafted to resemble the rear of an elephant, referred to as Gajaprushtam. Additionally, Kalyana Theertham, the temple's sacred water, is found outside the temple grounds, to the right of the southern entrance.
The principal deity, Masilamani Eeshwarar, is represented as a 'swayambhu Linga', characterized by a distinctive cut mark from a sword. This mark necessitates the continuous application of sandalwood paste on the deity. Annually, during the Tamil month of 'Chitirai' on the propitious day of the 'Sadhaya' star, the existing sandal paste is meticulously removed and substituted with a new layer. It is important to highlight that the ritualistic 'Abisheka' is conducted solely for the 'Avudayar', which is the revered base of the deity.
Kodiyudai Amman - There are three temples in chennai dedicated to different forms of the goddess Shakti — Thiruvudai Amman-Ichcha Shakthi, Vadivudai Amman-Gyana Shakthi and Kodiyudai Amman—Kriya Shakthi, stand out for their spiritual significance. It is considered auspicious to see all on the same day , especially on a full moon day & if possible on a full moon day which falls on a Friday. Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman and Kodiyidai Amman are said to have been sculpted by the same artist, reflecting a similar divine form. Goddess Kodi-Idai-Nayaki at tirumullaivayil is worshipped as Kriya Shakti, the goddess who bestows the power of activity.
Sculptures in Tirumullaivayil temple.
The nandi appears poised to support King Thodaiman, as it is positioned outward to the east rather than directed towards the deity. Surrounding the sanctum, the prakaram contains the idols of the four principal nayanmars along with all 63 nayanmars. Located on the northern side of this prakaram, the Nataraja Sabha faces south. Additional sannidhis within the prakaram include Dwarapalakas, Thondaiman, Neelakanta Shivacharya, and Mahavishnu accompanied by his consorts Sreedevi and BhooDevi. Adjacent to these figures is a 'Rasa' Shivalinga composed of a Mercury and Silver mixture, which was consecrated at a later date.
Saint Arunagirinathar, a distinguished poet and devotee, has created three exquisite hymns in honor of Lord Muruga within his work, Tirupugazh. In the northern outer prakaram, a dedicated east-facing sannidhi showcases Muruga with four divine arms, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Additionally, the eastern outer prakaram features a separate south-facing sannidhi for Bhairava. Notably, this temple lacks a sannidhi for the Navagraha, the nine celestial deities. Ancient legends recount that Sage Vasishta, a venerated sage, selected this sacred site for his penance, which ultimately led to his blessing with the divine cow Kamadenu. The Dwajasthmbam, Balipeetam, and Nandi are positioned in alignment with the eastern gateway.
Southern Entrance, 16 pillared enclosure
Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam and Nandhi
View from eastern prakaram
Sannidhi
View from eastern entrance
South 'gopuram' and Ambal Sannidhi vimanam
Another sannidhi
Eastern gateway
Kalyana Theertham