Thiruvarutkaleeswarar, Malayakovil
God
Thiruvarutkaleeswarar, facing west
Goddess
Dharmasamvardhini, facing north
Other Deities
Vinayaka, Navagraha, Bhairava, Saneeswara, Swayambu Lingam, Muruga with consorts, Idumban
Thiruvarutkaleeswarar Malayakovil is an ancient cave temple. The lingam is in a cave and is carved directly out of the surrounding rock. A spring on top of the cave drips water directly onto the Lingam. Lord Ganesha is depicted as Valampuri Vinayaka in the carving in the cave temple and is facing the main deity seeking his blessings with a Mango in his hand. There are some mural paintings on the ceiling. The goddess shrine is seperate and is north facing on the rock opposite the cave temple. On a seperate rock outside is a shrine for Vinayaka and Muruga together. Below a Vanni tree are a large number of Nagar idols. Behind the cave temple on the north side is a hill with steps leading to the top. On the way up is a shrine for Idumban. On top of this hill is the shrine for Lord Muruga with his consorts. Facing him are two peacock mounts. A tank well is on top and is called Saravana Poigai.
Holy Water – Temple tank on the east, Spring on the hill, Saravana Poigai
Holy Tree – Vanni (Prosopis cineraria)
History
Thiruvarutkaleeswarar Malayakovil is an ancient cave temple dating back to the 7th Century CE. An Inscription from the period of Kulothunga Chola II in the 12th Century CE found here mentions the donation of land to the temple by two persons, Raasan Ulagan and Irattapadi Kondan. Another inscription from 1881 CE, below the area where the steps start mentions the contribution of an individual from Nachandhupatti for construction of the steps leading to the hill shrine.
Legend
Lord Vinayaka is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here at Thiruvarutkaleeswarar Malayakovil seeking his blessings after winning the Mango in a competition with his younger brother Muruga.
Directions
Thiruvarutkaleeswarar Malayakovil is about 15 kilometers southwest of Pudukottai on the road going to Ponnamaravathi.
Food and Stay
None locally. The places of food and stay would be Pudukottai.