Adithavarneswarar Melaseval

Saivite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Adithavarneswarar, facing east

Goddess

Soundarya Ambal, facing south

Other Deities

Suryan, Adhikaranandi, 63 Nayanmar, Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Jura Devar, Sapthamadar, Kannivinayakar, Theyulingam, Vayulingam, Meghalingeswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Mahavishnu, Sage Agastya, Saneeswara, Navagraha, Bhairava, Megalinga Sastha. Sanctum niches – Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswara

Adithavarneswarar Melaseval is an east-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. Nataraja Mantapam is on the northeastern side of the outer Prakaram. The inner Prakaram has Karthikai Mandapam, Yazhi Mandapam, Alangara Mandapam, and other structures with beautifully carved pillars. Inside the goddess shrine on top is Meghalingeswarar facing east. Sun’s rays fall on the main deity during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October). Outside the temple is a shrine for Meghalinga Sastha. An idol of Vinayaka with a snake is seen here. A temple tank is present opposite the main entrance. There is one more Shiva Temple (Sundareswarar) behind which is quite dilapidated. Near that temple is a larger and older Navaneetha Krishna Temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Chandra Pushkarini, Meena Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Adithavarneswarar Melaseval is an ancient temple going back to the Pandya period. Several inscriptions on the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum and inner walls of the corridor are seen here. It is also understood that in the ancient days this temple had an elephant and car festivals.

Legend

The sun’s (Adita) rays falling on the main deity here during the Tamil month of Purattasi gave the name of the Lord here at Adithavarneswarar Melaseval. The Meghalingeswarar idol seen here in the goddess shrine is believed to have been worshiped by Lord Indra from the skies and hence the name. We were informed by the priest that about 7 years ago the eyes of the Varahi idol in the Sapthamadar group were open for a few days and was witnessed by many people.

Directions

Adithavarneswarar Melaseval is about 19 kilometers west of Tirunelveli. Take the Ambasamudram road to reach Melaseval. Take a right inside Melaseval and drive to the end of the village to reach Adithavarneswarar Melaseval. Behind this temple are another shiva temple and Navaneetha Krishna Temple. Further inside are the Shiva and Perumal Temples in Desamanickam Village.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest for food and stay is Tirunelveli.

Saivite Temples

Adithavarneswarar, Melaseval