| Description: This
Shivastalam is located at a distance of about 10 miles south of Kanchipuram in Tondai Naadu, enroute to Uttiramerur, and
there are are several features of interest here. Magaral lies on the Northern banks of the
Cheyyar river. Across the river is the Kadambarkoyil temple. This is the
7th of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India. Legends:
Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a giant golden lizard to Rajendra Cholan here
and in another legend, an Udumbu (giant lizard) is said to have worshipped Shiva in
an ant hill. Indra is said to have worshipped Shiva here.
The Temple: This beautiful temple is located in pleasant surroundings
in a small village. A gajaprashta Vimanam crowns the sanctum as in most others
in this area (Tondai Nadu). The Rajagopuram is visible from a distance as one approaches
this village. Sambandar is said to have visited this shrine after composing a Patikam at
Cheyyar.
Tirumaakaral was a prominent place during the Chola period. The present structure is
attributed to the period of Kulottunga Chola II (1133-1150) of the later Cholas.
Inscriptions speaking of his grants to the temple are seen here. Also seen here, are
inscriptions from the period of Rajaraja II and Rajaraja III, and the later Pandyas. In
its recent renovation, much of the older features of this temple have been lost.
Festivals: The annual festival is held in the month of Pisces in the
month of Aquarius. |
