Rishabapureeswarar Melsevur

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Rishabapureeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Mangalambikai, facing south

Other Deities

No information

Rishabapureeswarar Melsevur is an ancient east facing temple with a 3 tier entrance Rajagopuram in the South.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Sankarabarani River

Holy Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Rishabapureeswarar Melsevur was built in 928 A.D. by Paranthaka Chozha I, who covered the vimanam of the sanctum sanctorum of the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram with gold. The inscriptions found in the compound walls of the temple show that Paranthaka Chozha, started the construction of the temple, which was continued by Rajarajakesari Varman. Rajaraja Sambuvarayar gifted lands and Rajendra Chozha and Kulothungan I also made many gifts during their reign.

Legend

This place was known as Aavur and Vidaiyoor in the past. The Shivalingam was covered by an anthill and Nandikeswarar tried to remove it with his hoof. As blood oozed from the Lingam it was washed by Ganga who flowed as the nearby Sankarabarani river. Goddess Mangalambigai, also known as Gunasamvardhini, is believed to have emerged from a sacrificial pit and married the Lord here at Rishabapureeswarar Melsevur. Chandikeswarar worshiped the Sivalingam here to rid himself of a curse by Sage Durvasa.

Directions

Rishabapureeswarar Melsevur is about 20 kilometers from Tindivanam. Before Gingee take the road going left to Vallam and drive on to reach Melsevur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Nearest are Tindivanam and Gingee

Saivite Temples

Rishabapureeswarar, Melsevur