Basic information about the temple
| Moolavar: | Muchukundeswarar | Ambal / Thayar: | – |
| Deity: | Siva | Historical name: | |
| Vriksham: | Teertham: | ||
| Agamam: | Age (years): | ||
| Timing: | to & to | Parikaram: | |
| Temple group: | – | ||
| Sung by: | Temple set: | ||
| Navagraham: | Nakshatram: | ||
| City / town: | Kodumbalur | District: | Tiruchirappalli |
| Maps from (click): | Current location | Tiruchirappalli (42 km) | Pudukottai (46 km) |
| Dindigul (77 km) | Karur (82 km) |
Location
Sthala puranam and temple information
Muchukundeswarar is a derivation of Mudukkundra Easwarar (reminiscent of Vriddhachalam, also known as Tiru Mudukkundram, or ancient hill). Therefore the moolavar here is also known as Tirumudukundramudaiyar, and is considered one of the Vaippu Sthalams mentioned in the Tevaram.
Silappadikaram, the Tamil Sangam classic, describes this place as a grand city, central to Tamilakam and linking the road routes of the kingdoms in the region. During Chola times, Kodumbalur was an important part of the empire, and marked the border between Chola and Pandya kingdoms, and therefore a strategic location for security. Irukkuvelir Bhooti Vikrama Kesari (who built the Moovar Kovil temple) and his predecessors are said to have defended this territory and the borders extremely well, leading to matrimonial alliances between the clan and the Cholas. It is also the avatara sthalam of Idankazhi Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars in Saivism.
This temple was built by Mahimalaya Irukkuvel, a local chieftain and feudatory of the Cholas, in the time of Parantaka Sundara Chola, in the early 10th century. At that time, however, only the east-facing Siva sannidhi was built. The Amman shrine is a subsequent addition, possibly from the Vijayanagara period.
The temple was also renovated during the time of Kulothunga Chola. there appear to be smaller shrines for Vinayakar and Murugan., but sadly, they are devoid of murtis. The temple is reckoned to be of the same heritage and antiquity as the Moovar Kovil temple nearby, which seems to be much more popular.
The dvi-tala (two level) Nagara style vimanam over the garbhagriham is filled with fine architecture from the early Chola period. The temple also has several inscriptions including one from the time of Kulothunga Chola detailing his renovations, another from the time of Sundara Chola, and also one from the time of the Vijayanagara Dynasty about two people being given as servants of the Lord here, in exchange for a specified amount of paddy and land.
Other information for your visit
Kodumbalur finds mention in ancient literary works. Readers of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan will immediately recall Kodumbalur as the birthplace of Vanathi, daughter of the Kodumbalur Velir (local king / chieftain), who later became the first wife of Raja Raja Chola I. Vanathi is mentioned in the story, as the niece of Bhooti Vikrama Kesari.
Although it is an ASI protected site, there are hardly any visitors to this temple. One-time puja takes place in the temple, and keys are usually kept at the home of resident nearby, who obliges and opens the temple if one is visiting when it is otherwise closed.
Very close to this temple is the only known temple for Idankazhi Nayanar, one of the 63 Saiva Nayanmars.
Contact
Phone: Muthu – 9444168508
Gallery
TN Temples Project 