Mukthyajaleswarar, Perumukkal

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Mukthyajaleswarar, facing east

Goddess

None

Other Deities

Ganesha, Anjaneya, Dakshinamurthy

Mukthyajaleswarar Perumukkal is a hill temple that is reached by a long and steep winding path of steps, rocks and mud path. There are two paths leading up, both from the west and some hundred meters apart. The path that starts opposite the Saleswarar Temple has a huge damaged Vinayaka Idol at the beginning of the climb and reaches the temple on top at the South side. The second path reaches the temple at the North side. There are two ponds on top, both are quite deep and filled with water. On the climb towards the north side of the temple we found several damaged pillars, idols and others remnants belonging to this ancient temple. The temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. On top, there are indications of a multi-tiered gopuram which is now non-existent. The east-facing temple has Mantapams in the east and north both continuous with the entire structure. On the south side is a shrine for Anjaneya. The temple is closed most of the time. The temple is in worship but requires more attention. There is a cave called Sita Cave with some inscriptions.

Holy Water (Theertham) – The ponds in the hill

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Mukthyajaleswarar Perumukkal was originally a brick construction and later converted to a stone structure by Vikrama Chola (1118 – 35 CE). There are more than 60 inscriptions here belonging to Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagar and Sambuvarya Kings mentioning their contributions to the development and maintenance of Mukthyajaleswarar Perumukkal temple. In these inscriptions the name of the Lord is mentioned as Thiruvanmikai Easwaramudayar, Perumukkal Udayar and Mukhyachaleswarar. The Village was called Perumukkilaana Gangai Konda Nalloor in the Chola period. The Sita Cave situated west of the temple has Petroglyphs considered by some to be of Sita. This is said to belong to the Megalithic Age by some experts and is the only one found in Tamilnadu and one of the four in India. The temple is part of the important Perumukkal Fort which is totally destroyed now except a few walls. The history of this strategic military fort involves Cholas, Hoysalas, Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan the French, and the British.

Legend

No information

Directions

Mukthyajaleswarar Perumukkal is 13 kilometers east of Tindivanam in the Marakkanam Road. The hill is visible from a distance and Perumukkal Village is indicated in the main road.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Tindivanam

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