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The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Sundarar. Addressing the Lord Pasupada Paranchudar having His home in Tirumullaivayil, surrounded by fragrant gardens, Sundarar, in his hymn, says that Lord Shivas Lotus Feet are his wealth and wisdom and he does not care for men of material thinking. He seeks Lord?s grace for relief from certain problems he was facing then. This is the 22nd temple in Thondai Nadu region (places covering Chennai, and adjoining areas as Kancheepuram, Chengalpet etc.,) praised in Thevaram hymns.

Sri Vinayaka of the temple is revered as Valampuri Vinayaka.

The garlands offered to Nandideva during the pujas are worn by the devotees facing wedding problems and those concerned about the health of their children. But this practice is not followed on the puja days on new moon, full moon, Kruthika star and pradosham days.

The Nandhi, bull vehicle of Lord Shiva accompanied a king in his war against demons.  Hence, the Nandhi is not facing the Lord, but looking at the opposite direction.  As Lord is all dominant in the temple, there is no shrine for Navagrahas the nine planets. As Ambica has a waist as thin as the stem of a plant, She is named Kodi Idai Nayaki. Worshipping the Mother on Poornima-full moon days and Fridays would relieve the devotee of all sins. It is also believed that very listening of the history of this place would bring salvation to the souls.

There are shrines for Cholapureeswarar, Kuchalapureeswar worshipped by Lava and Kucha, sons of Lord Sri Rama and Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai in the corridor-prakara.

The region was once infested by forests inhabited by two demons Vanan and Onan harassing righteous sages. A king, Thondaman, who waged a war against them, had to return defeated. While returning, the legs of his elephant were caught in the creepers of the jasmine. The king cut the creepers sitting on the elephant and found the creepers bleeding.  He got down in fear and found a Shivalinga under the soil.

Having done wrong to Lord Shiva, the king attempted to end himself.  In His hurry to protect the king, Lord Shiva appeared before him without even inviting Ambica with him and said that despite the injury, He would be all graceful to all. Ambica joined the Lord Later and now has Her shrine right of the Lord.

Lord Shiva sent Nandhi along with the king?s army to defeat the demons. He brought two pillars made ofVellrukku tree, placed them in the temple he built then. These two pillars are in the temple even today. 

Moolavar: Masilamani Easwarar

Amman / Thayar: Kodi Idai Nayaki

Thala Virutcham: Jasmine

Theertham:
Agni Theertham

Agamam / Pooja:
Sivagamam

Old year:1000-2000 years old

Historical Name: Vada Tirumullaivayil

Festival:


1. Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in May-June,

2. Masi Float Festival in February-March

3. Aani Vasantha Utsav in June-July are the festivals celebrated in the temple. 

Thanks giving:


Devotees offer Sandal paste Alankara to the Lord on realizing their wishes. 

There is a scar on the head of the Swayambulinga in the temple. As if to heal the wound, sandal paste is applied on the Linga throughout the year except two days in the month of Chithirai (April-May) covering the Sadayam star day. Lord appears in His true form these days. Worshipping Lord Shiva in this form during these days would relieve the devotee of all sins, it is firmly believed. As no abishek is performed to the Linga, A Padarasa Linga (Mercury Linga) is placed in a separate shrine for Pujas. The Vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) is of Gajabrushta means back side of an elephant.
Do:
  • Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
  • Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  • Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  • Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  • Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  • Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.