Then Thirumullaivayal

God

Mullaivananadar, facing east, Suyambu(self occurring). Other names – Mullaivaneswarar, Yoodhikaparameswarar, Maasilamaneeswarar

Goddess

Kothaiammai, facing south. Other name – Sathyananda Soundari

Other Deities

Vinayagar, Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, Bairava, Thirugnanasambandar, Kshetralingam, Perumal, Lakshmi, Navagrahas

Then Thirumullaivayal is a medium sized east facing temple with an entrance arch in the east and temple tank to the north. The temple is located quite close to the seashore.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Sangiratheertham, Brahmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

History

Tirugnanasambandar (7th century CE) has sung Thevaram Hymns here at Then Thirumullaivayal for the Lord.

Legend

A king called Killivalavan while out horse riding cleared a jasmine climber with his sword hitting a Lingam from which blood poured out. He tried to kill himself in retaliation to this but the lord appeared and blessed him. The king cleared the jasmine growth around and built the Then Thirumullaivayal temple. The Goddess is believed to have worshiped and received knowledge from the Lord here at Then Thirumullaivayal.

Directions

From inside Sirkazhi town drive east for about 14 kms to reach Then Thirumullaivayal. The temple is near the seashore and near the Uppanar River’s exit into the Bay of Bengal.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Sirkazhi.