The temple of Vajrasthambanathar and Sundarambikai in Mazhapadi holds immense spiritual and mythological significance. According to legend, the Shiva linga enshrined in this temple was brought from the celestial realm of Brahma by 'Purusha Mrugam' also known as Purusha Mruga or Purusha-Mriga, a fascinating celestial creature in our Puranas. It combines human and animal characteristics, often depicted with a human-like face and the body of a beast, typically resembling a lion. Once installed, the Shiva Linga became immovable, resisting even the mighty Brahma's attempts to reclaim it. Astonished by this extraordinary strength of the Shiva Linga, Indra, the king of the gods, revered the deity as 'Vajra-Sthamba' Nathar (symbolizing the indestructible property of a diamond). Thirunavukkarasar extols this divine manifestation in his hymn as "Maraikalanda Mazhapadi Vayirathoone," while TiruGyanasambandar, in his pathikam, proclaims that sincere worship at this sacred sannidhi absolves one of all sins. Interestingly, the town's name, Mazhapadi, is attributed to the 'Mazhavar' army, a faction of the Chera dynasty, who established a camp here during the Chola period. Another captivating legend suggests that Lord Shiva danced with a 'Mazhu', a type of drum, for Sage Markandeya at this very spot, forever lending the name Mazhapadi to the town.
The Layout - The Vajrasthambanathar Temple, situated with its majestic entrance facing the rising sun to the east, is a magnificent site featuring a grand 7-tiered Rajagopuram gateway tower. Upon entering the temple complex, visitors are greeted by the sight of a tall flagpole, a ceremonial altar, and a statue of Nandi. Proceeding further, one passes through a second gopuram archway to arrive at a spacious, ornately decorated hall. Within this hall stand two separate Nandis and the prakaram houses sannidhis dedicated to Akoraveerabhadra, Vinayaka, and Muruga. A third gateway leads to the Maha Mandapam where the central sanctum housing the main deity and the adjacent Somaskandar sannidhi together form an impressive large temple structure. The presiding deity Vajrasthambanathar, was consecrated and worshipped by a Purusha-Mriga. Notably, this deity was also worshipped by Indra, king of the devas, and MahaVishnu, adding to its sanctity and spiritual potency. The temple complex also contains two sannidhis for the goddess consorts, with the sannidhi of goddess Balambikai facing south. In the western portion of circumambulating path surrounding the main sanctum, Muruga is depicted together with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Adding to the temple's sacred elements is a holy palm tree and a pond believed to possess medicinal properties - devotees who bathe in this pond are said to be healed of skin ailments and diseases. An additional unique feature of this temple is that devotees who have 'nerthi-kadan' or 'venduthal', a sacred vow or prayer, to be fulfilled at the Vaitheesshwaran temple near Mayiladuthurai, but are unable to go there, can complete their religious commitment at Tirumazhapadi's Vajrasthambanathar temple in an equally meritorious manner.
Sage Shilaada's decision to marry his son Seppesar, also known as TiruNandiDevar, a recipient of divine boons, to Suyasadevi, the granddaughter of the revered sage Vasishta, marked a significant event in the annals of Tirumazhapadi's history. The nuptial ceremony, solemnized within the precincts of the Tirumazhapadi temple during the auspicious tamil month of 'Punguni' on the day of the star poosa, has since become an annual celebration that continues to draw fervent devotees from the town and beyond. The festivities honoring the union of Nandi Devar is held yearly in the month of Punguni. Subsequent to this, In the month of Chittirai, 'saptha sthana festival' begins at Tiruvaiyaru.
A distinctive feature that sets this temple apart is the northward flow of the river 'Kollidam' through its consecrated grounds, a rare occurrence known as Uttaravahini, imbuing the site with an additional layer of sanctity.
Mazhapadi, the abode of Lord Shiva, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, for it was here that the divine voice of Shiva beckoned Sundarar, compelling him to compose a hymn in His honor. During his pilgrimage to the Shiva temples of the Chola country, Sundarar was at Tiruvalampozhil when he was startled by a voice questioning, "Sundara, have you forgotten me?" Recognizing the voice as that of Lord Shiva Himself, Sundarar, with the aid of his disciples, discovered the nearby Tirumazhapadi temple. Overcome with devotion and self-realization, Sundarar composed a hymn dedicated to Vajrasthambanathar, encapsulating the profound sentiment, "Whom will I think of if i forget you".
Temple Rajagopuram
Flagstaff, Nandhi Mandapam
63 Nayanmars
Entrance
Dakshinamurthy
Four Nandis
Entrance to Goddess Sannidhi
Nandi Mandap
Mandap
Double Nandi
Idols in the prakaram
Temple Pond
Sanctum Vimana