Sri Mahalingeswarar temple

Presiding deity, Lord Mahalingeswarar graces facing east. In the shrine, right to Him, there are two Ambicas named after Meenakshi in Madurai. They are close to the wall facing south. The devotee has to peep closely into the shrine to have their darshan. They represent two powers – Icha Shakti and Gnana Shakti. Worshipping them would benefit the devotee with wisdom to know God.

As Maharshi Bharadwaja performed penance sitting on a platform with concentration on the Lord controlling all his senses, the place is known as Odukkam Thavasi Medai. Odukkam-controlling the senses; Thavasi-one performing penance and Medai-platform.

Aadhi Bhairava: Bhairava shrine is generally on the northeast corner in the temple. Here, He is just opposite Lord Shiva. As Lord Mahalineswara is all powerful, it is said that to protect the devotees from the scorching heat (Ugra), Bhairava is installed here balancing the temperature. Bhairava here is known as Aadhi Bhairava. There is a hole behind the Bhairava through which the devotees worship Lord Shiva and Bhairava before entering the temple.

Following Shivarathri, the rays of Sun God continuously fall on the Lord for thirty days during mornings and on Bhairava during the evenings.

Special pujas are performed on Magam star days remembering Maharshi Bharadwaja’s birth star.