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Sage Bharadwaja, whose reputation is beyond words, worshipped in this temple.  Also, the sage is one of the five sages who installed Mother Meenakshi in Madurai. Despite high power gained through intense penance, the sage was all humble in nature. 

The two peetas at the entrance of the temple are said to be Bharadwaja himself sitting there to have the touch of the feet of devotees on his head.  Born in the Magam Star, special pujas are performed in his favour on this day.  It is believed that many noble souls and sages partake in the pujas invisibly. 

It is advised that those born in Magam star should take Sage Bharadwaja as their Guru and worship Lord Shiva with abisheks and archanas on Magam star days, Pachami, Sashti, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Pradosham and monthly Shivrathri days to sustain a happy and prosperous life.

Bhairava shrines are generally in the northeast direction in Shiva temples.  Here, he is just before the presiding deity.  Lord Mahalingeswarar is all powerful.  As the devotees cannot bear the power during worship, Bhairava is before him to absorb the intensity of the power. 

Hence, he is known as Aadhi Bhairava. There is a hole behind Bhairav.  The devotees first worship Lord Shiva through this hole, Bhairava next and finally Lord again.

Temple Timings:


The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. continuously.

Temple Festivals:

Masi Magam festival is very devotionally celebrated in the temple in February-March.

Naturally, Magam people worship here for relief from adverse planetary problems. Special pujas are performed for Lord and Mother on Masi Magam festival day.  For remedy from illnesses, devotees light ghee lamps. 

Those facing Vasthu problems in their houses, also worship here.The rays of Sun fall on the feet of Lord for 30 days commencing from Shivrathri day. The rays fall on the Lord during the mornings and on Lord Bhairava in the evenings. Generally, there is only one Goddess in temples.

There are two Goddesses in this temple gracing the devotees from a single shrine.Special pujas are conducted in the temple for Sage Bharadwaja on Magam star day each month as he belongs to this star. Lord Mahalingeswara graces facing east.

The idols of Ambicas are smaller in size. Mothers Maragathavalli and Manickavalli grace from the shrine right to the Lord.  They are named after Mother Meenakshi inMadurai. 

As the Ambicas are close to the wall facing west, the devotee has to peep in to have their darshan.  This is a rare structure. The Ambicas represent Icha Shakti and Gnana Shakti whose grace takes the devotee to Lord, Gnana Shakti, the power of wisdom.


Do's:


  • Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
  • Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiry ,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 your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshiping 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 Dharshanam. 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