Sringeeswarar Mappedu

Sringeeswarar Mappedu temple was built by Aditya Karikalan in 967 CE and developments done later by Krishnadevaraya. The temple was later dilapidated and in the 16th century CE, one Thalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliar built the Rajagopuram, compound wall and the 16 Pillar Mantapa. After this again the temple deteriorated due to invasions and was taken up in recent times by the service organization of Guhashree Kamatchi Sundaresa Swamiji of Vadachennimalai and brought to its present beautiful state.

There are at least two legends attached with this temple. One is that after deceiving the Asuras of the Amrut that was yielded during the churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu in his Mohini form could not transform back to his original form. He came here, installed a Shiva Lingam and worshiped Lord Shiva to get his original form back. Mal – Thirumal (Vishnu) in his feminine form (Pedu) became Malpedu and over time got distorted to Mappedu.

The other story is that while Lord Shiva performed his dance for Karaikal Ammayar at Thiruvalangadu, Nandi was performing on the drums and could not appreciate and enjoy the dance in its entirety. He mentioned this to the lord and he told him to watch his performance exclusively at Sringeeswarar Mappedu. Singi means Nandi and since the lord performed for Singi he received the name as Singeeswarar.

It is believed that Anjaneya performs on the Veena in Amirthavarshini Raga during the dusk time before Veerabaleeswarar here at Sringeeswarar Mappedu.

At the Thandalam junction, take the fork on the right adjoining the Empee Distilleries plant (Arkonam Road) and proceed for about 10 kilometers to reach Sringeeswarar Mappedu. The temple entrance arch is in the main road and the temple itself is close to and visible from the road.