Visited on: 12th March, 2017
Location
Mahendrapalli is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Kollidam. Kollidam is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route. There is a railway station in Kollidam.
Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Achalpuram, Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thirukkurukavur, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar.
General Information
- Moolvar
- Sri Thirumeni Azhagar, Sri Somasundareswarar
- Ambal
- Sri Vadivambikai
- Theertham (Holy water)
- Mahendra Pushkarini
- Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
- Vilvam
- Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
- Saint Thirugnanasambanthar
- This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 6th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
- Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
- This east facing temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers and it has a single corridor.
- The last consecration ceremony took place on 22.01.1999.
History of the Temple
This is a small sea shore temple and it was renovated recently. The temple is on the southern banks of river Kollidam. This river merges with the sea about 2 kms away from this temple.
The historical name of this place is Mayendirapalli but now it is known as Mahendrapalli. Another name of this place is “Koyiladippalayam”.


Legend
It is believed that Indiran tried to woo Akalika, the wife of Maharshi Gautama. Indiran was cursed by the Rishi to have his body covered with eyes. He sought relief from this curse and came to Earth and prayed to Lord Shiva in many temples and this is one among them. As Indiran – “Maha Indiran” is believed to have worshiped the lord here, this place is known as “Mahendira Palli” (“Palli” means place in Tamil).
The lingam in this temple is very small and lustrous. It is called “Thiru Meni Azhagar” (“Meni” means body and “Azhagar” means beautiful in Tamil).
Lord Shiva is believed to have given the darshan of his cosmic dance to Indiran, Brahma, Suryan and Chandran. It is also believed that in the tank (pushkarini) of this temple, Lord Krishna performed Amavasya rituals (Tharpanam) on a new moon day before the Kurukshetra war. He created the “Bodhayana Amavasya”.
Deities in the temple
In the corridors, idols of Lords Vinayakar (having planets Ragu and Ketu on his either sides), Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Kasi Viswanathar, Goddess Visalakshi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Suryan and Chandran can be seen. Chandikeswarar graces with his consort. There is no Navagraham here.












Salient Features
In his hymn, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar praised the lord here as “Azhagan” and “Anthamil Azhagan”.
It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam for seven days in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April).
This temple is also famous for its “Surya Pooja” in the month of Panguni.
Saint Arunagirinadhar has sung songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.
Greatness of this temple
The holy water of this temple is believed to be attributed to Lord Brahma - the creator. Hence, devotees believe that by taking a dip in the holy water and worshiping the lord here, Lord Brahma would absolve them off their curses and sins.
Important Festivals
Some of the major festivals celebrated in this temple are -
Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).
Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan),
Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar),
Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr), and
Surya Pooja in the Tamil month of Panguni.
Pradosham is also observed regularly.
Temple Timings
From 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM.
Temple Address
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple,
Mahendirapalli Post,
Sirkazhi-Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu – 609 101.
The temple priest, Sri Senthil Gurukkal can be contacted at +91-4364- 292 309, 97511 00938.









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