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Mahalingeswarar Temple or Sri Mahalingaswami Kovil or Thiruvidaimarudur Temple is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva where God is worshipped in the form of Mahalingeswaraswamy and represented as lingam known as Jyothirmayalingam. It is the centre of great mythology and zeal and attracts pilgrims throughout the year, particularly during Thaipoosam festival. The temple reflects Chola’s devotion and boasts of rich Tamil architecture with a towering five-tiered Rajagopuram (tower) enhanced by huge enclosures.
Quick Details About The Thiruvidaimarudur Temple
Location: Tiruvidaimaruthur, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 – 9 PM
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam railway station
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Important Festivals: Thaipoosam, Tirukalyanam, Ambal Tapasu, Ambal Thannai
About Thiruvidaimarudur Temple
photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Mahalingeswarar Temple also gained ground for its shape prototypes, where devotees believe that entering through the eastern gate and leaving via the second gopuram, which belongs to the legend of a Chola prince, is beneficial. The majority of the temple complex has various shrines that house Mookambika, Mahalingeswaraswamy, Bruhatsundarakuchaambika, and Ambal, and there are also five other sacred tanks like Karunyamirdha Theertham, Soma Theertham, Kanaga Theertham, Kalyana Theertham and Iravatha Theertham. The Pranava precinct displays exquisite stone sculptures, including a Chariot sculpted with twelve pillars symbolising Zodiac signs.
How To Reach Thiruvidaimarudur Temple
photo: Aadhithyan Pandian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is just around 109 km, is the nearest.
By Train: Just at a distance of 10 km from the town Kumbakonam railway station is the closest railway station which has train service from all major cities.
By Road: The town of Thiruvidaimarudur is well-connected by highways from all the major cities and towns.
Places To Visit Near Thiruvidaimarudur Temple
Here is a list of places to visit near the Thiruvidaimarudur temple to add to the spiritual charm to your expedition:
1. Kumbakonam
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 9 kilometres from the Mahalingeswarar temple is Kumbakonam, known by the name City of Temples or Temple Town. The city has the famous Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Suryanar Kovil Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Agniswarara Temple and is surrounded by so many temples and monasteries in the vicinity that it has taken the name.
Distance From Temple: About 9 km
2. Dharasuram Sri Airavatesvara Temple
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Airavatesvara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Lord Shiva and named after Airavat (The white elephant of Lord Indra). It is another site housing temples of great architectural works of art featuring Chola architectural designs and intricate carvings with paintings and bronze casting. This temple is among the cluster of mediaeval-era Hindu temples in the Kumbakonam area.
Distance From Temple: About 14 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Arulmigu Swaminatha Swamy Temple
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
This is a hillock temple dedicated to the god Murugan (Swaminatha/ Kartikeya). It is the fourth house of Murugun’s six houses. Lord Murugan is called Thakappan Swamy here. This temple is also known by the name Sundareswaraswamy, as Meenakshi Sundareswarar is named here. The Shrine of Murugan’s Mother Meenakshi and Father Shiva is located downhill. This temple location draws pilgrims who can get a wide field of view.
Distance From Temple: About 17 km
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4 – 9 PM
3. Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Naganatha Swami Temple Tirungeswaram, also called Rahu Navagraha Temple or Rahu Stalam, is dedicated to the deity Shiva (Naganatha Swamy) and is represented by the lingam. The temple is also associated with Navagraha Stalas, dedicated to Rahu; it holds certain significance for all devotees. It also has shrines of other deities, with Nagantha, Rahu, and Piraisodi Amman being popular.
Distance From Temple: About 6 km
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4 – 9 PM
4. Mahamaham Tank
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
It is a huge tank located in Kumbakonam, one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu. Two major festivals include Masimaham and Mahamaham, attracting millions of visitors. There are sixteen small shrines around the temple tank, and it has about 21 wells inside it. It is also believed to be the holy confluence of nine Indian river goddesses.
Distance From Temple: About 10 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Cmasi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thiruvidaimarudur offers various accommodation options within walking distance, a few km away, that suit every budget. Some budget-friendly and popular options include Aditya Heritage, Sri Sankara Villas and Service Villas, and Hotel Raya, among which you can choose any for a comfortable stay with all amenities available.
Where To Eat
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The majority of food is a blend of traditional Tamil Nadu Cuisine with a blend of modern flavours for taste enhancement. If you are looking for local flavours try Aduthurai Seetharama Villas which also has an elaborate South Indian menu including Dosas, Uthappam, Idli, Sweets and savouries. You can also try Hotel Abiram Bhavan as a reasonable option.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Px Here / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
There are no entry fees for the Thiruvidaimarudur temple; however, you may have to set a budget for travel, accommodation, travel to nearby temples, and food. Various modes of transportation and eateries are available to suit the comfort level and budget of every individual. On average, you will need ₹800 – ₹1000 per day for a mid-range travel plan.
Best Time To Visit
The winter months between November and February are ideal as the famous Thaipoosam festivals also fall in January, and the weather is pleasant.
A visit to the Thiruvidaimarudur Temple in Tamil Nadu enriches spiritual fulfilment and cultural and historical appreciation. From the intricate carvings on the walls to the ancient tales, Thiruvidaimarudur temple history is bound to mesmerise you. So, organise your religious tour or vacation to this beautiful place with Trip XL so you don’t have to worry about anything while travelling and have a soul-enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
