Sivalokanathar, Mamakudi, Nagapattinam

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Sivalokanathar	Ambal / Thayar:	Sivakamasundari
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:
Vriksham:		Teertham:
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	6 to 12 & 4 to 8	Parikaram:
Temple group:	Vaippu Sthalam	–
Sung by:		Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Mamakudi	District:	Nagapattinam
Maps from (click):	Current location	Mayiladuthurai (25 km)	Nagapattinam (49 km)
	Thiruvarur (54 km)	Kumbakonam (62 km)

Location

Sthala puranam and temple information

This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in one of Appar’s pathigams. The place also finds mention in Valampuramaalai, a devotional hymn on Valampura Nathar of Mela Perumpallam (Paadal Petra Sthalam temple).

In ancient times, this place was called Tirumakudi, Tirumalkudi and Lakshmipuram. Over time, Tirumakudi became Makudi, and then to the modern day Mamakudi.

During the churning of the ocean, several things came out of the process, including Mahalakshmi, who proceeded to settle down here. The Ma in Makudi (Tirumakudi) refers to Lakshmi. Because of the association with Lakshmi, devotees worship here for financial prosperity.

Siva here is believed to have been worshipped by Indra.

This Chola temple is originally said to date back to the 10^th or 11^th century. However, there is very little of the famed Chola architecture visible today – the painting work done during renovations have obscured most, if not all, such indications.

Only the murti of Dakshinamurti in the southern koshtam can be said to be close to the original period of the temple. Amman here is depicted with four arms – two holding a lotus and an akshara malai, and two in abhaya and varada hastams.

Because of its connection with Lakshmi, there is a shrine for Her at this temple. There is also a sculpture of the child saint Sambandar. In a separate asbestos shed, are murtis of Suryan, Chandran and Bhairavar, amongst others.

Until about 2006 or 2007, this temple was inaccessible, and when it was finally reached, it was in an utterly dilapidated condition. Then the temple was taken up for renovation, which was completed in early 2008. At that time, during the dredging of the temple tank, some panchaloham idols were recovered. For security reasons, these are kept not in this temple, but in another temple nearby.

Other information for your visit

While the temple has an assigned priest, he manages other temples in the vicinity. However, the meikavalar lives close to the temple, and those in neighbouring houses can also help open the temple when the priest is not there, during temple opening hours.