Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan

Saivite Temples, Madurai District

God

Moolanathaswamy, facing east. Other names Viswaranyeswar, Sagai Areeswarar, Aadhi Chidambareswarar.

Goddess

Akilandeswari, facing south in a seperate shrine

Other Deities

Ganesha, Subramanya, Nataraja, Sivakamasundari, Vishnu with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, Muruga with consorts, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Mahalakshmi, Navagraha, Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan is an old temple facing east.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Swarna Pushkarini

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilvam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Stone inscriptions found here at Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan date back to the Pandiya Period between 10th and 13th Century CE. This village was known as as Senthaneri Kattakallur, Parakrama Pandyapuram and Kulasekarapuram in olden days.

Legend

King Veerapandya who was infected with leprosy is believed to have been cured here at Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan by bathing in the Holy Tank. Goddess Akilandeswari is believed to have wedded the lord here at Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan after a penance on the banks of the holy tank. Sage Agastya is said to have blessed by the lord here.

Directions

Moolanathaswamy Sholavandan is just outside Sholavandan after crossing the Vaigai river bridge.

Stay and Food

Sholavandan has a few small restaurants.

Saivite Temples

Moolanathaswamy, Sholavandan