AdiShesha, the serpent king and Vayu, the god of wind once fought a fierce battle in an attempt to establish their dominance over one another. The serpent king tightly wrapped itself around Mount Meru, there by squeezing it, causing sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and red pearls to fall from the mountain. Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is supposedly the location where the emeralds fell. The presiding deity came to be known as Maragadha-Chaleshwarar, Meaning the Lord of the emerald hill. The places where the other gemstones fell are: diamonds at Tiru-Pandi-Kodumudi, Ruby at Tiruvatpokki, saphires at Podhigai and red pearls at Tiruvannamalai.
Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is the last of the temples listed under 'North of River Cauvery'. It is believed that visiting and worshipping the three Shiva temples located near Kulithalai in Tamil Nadu's Karur district — Tiru-Eengoi-Malai, Tiruvatpokki, and Tirukadambanthurai — on the same day, specifically in the morning, afternoon, and evening, brings significant spiritual benefits. This practice is particularly meaningful when performed on a Monday during the month of Karthigai. Among the three Tiru-Eengoi-Malai is listed under North of River Kaveri and the other two are listed under South of River Kaveri. The prescribed order of visitation commences with Tirukadambanthurai in the morning, followed by Tiruvatpokki at noon, and culminates with the Maragadhachaleshwarar temple in Tiru-Eengoi-Malai in the evening. Although any day is suitable for this worship, 'Karthigai' Monday is regarded as particularly auspicious.
There are just a few Paadal Petra Shivasthalam which are situated on a hill top and out of those Tiru-Eengoimalai nestled on the north bank of the Cauvery River in Trichy district is one. Tiru-Eengoimala derives its name from the legend that Sage Agastya once worshipped the deity here in the form of a house-fly (The single syllable word 'Ee' in tamil). Also known as Shiva Shakthimalai, it is believed to be the place where the deity was worshipped by Devi Parvathy as well. The temple sits atop a small hill, reached by ascending approximately 500 modest steps. While the climb may not be as strenuous as scaling Tiruvatpokki Hill, the lack of shade and resting facilities along the way necessitates a leisurely pace. At the base of the hill, visitors are greeted by a distinctive stone lamp pillar, a characteristic feature of temples in the Kongu region, as well as the sannidhi of Sage Bhoga. Remarkably, the lamp in the presiding deity's sanctum remains steadfast and unwavering even in the presence of wind, earning the deity the appellation "Asala Eeswarar." Upon entering the temple complex, as we take a walk around the pathway of the prakaram, the spacious and ancient open-air structure of the temple is revealed, with the inner courtyard housing sannidhis dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Muruga, Navagraha, and the primary four nayanmars. The temple boasts separate 'vimanam' and 'Dwajasthambam' for both Maragadhachalar and Maragadhavalli, while there is an independent sannidhi for Bala Dhandayudhapani.
The Shiva Linga of the presiding deity Maragathachalar, as the name suggests, emanates an enchanting emerald green hue, evoking a sense of tranquility. During the sacred hours of Shivaratri, as the first rays of the morning sun gently caress the temple, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolds. The sunlight, in a celestial dance, illuminates the lingam, revealing a kaleidoscope of colors that seem to shift and transform with each passing moment. This ethereal display of light and color is further accentuated during the Deeparathan ritual, where the offerings of lamps to Shiva cast a radiant glow upon the lingam, making it shine with an otherworldly brilliance. The temple's spiritual significance is further underscored by the fact that the renowned Sangam poet Nakkirar composed a garland of 70 verses titled "Eenkoi Ezupattu" in honor of the presiding deity. Within the sanctum of Goddess Maragadhavalli, devotees are greeted by two distinct forms of Durga – one depicting her triumphant victory over the demon Mahishasura, and the other exuding a gentle, benevolent presence. This rare juxtaposition of Durga's fierce and compassionate aspects in a single place adds to the temple's unique spiritual allure. From the vantage point of Eengoi Hill, one can behold the majestic Kaveri River flowing to the south, with the Thiruvadpokki (Ayyarmalai) temple gracing its opposite bank. The enduring significance of this temple is further attested to by the inclusion of Thirugnanasambandar's poetic description in the first Thirumurai, cementing its place as a revered site of worship.
Stone Pillar at the foot of the hill
Climbing steps
Rest area on the way
3 Tiered Gopuram
Sanctum Vimanam
Goddess Sanctum Vimanam
View of the temple
Muruga with his consorts
Nandi
Another view of the temple
View from the hill top