Tiru-Maakaraleeswarar temple, Tirumaakaral
Location
Tirumaakaral
Deity
Tiru-Maakaraleeswarar, Adaikalam-Kaaththa Nathar
Female Deity
Tribhuvaneswari
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Tirumaakaraleeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located on the banks of the river Seyyaru, along the Kancheepuram – Uthiramerur route via Orikkai, about 16 km from Kancheepuram. Bus facilities are available from Kancheepuram. State Highway 118A runs close to this temple.
Temple Address
Magaral Village Post
Via Kanchipuram
Uthiramerur Taluk
Kanchipuram District
PIN – 631603
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 7:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Layout and Architecture
Situated on the northern bank of the Seyyaru River, this sacred Shiva temple faces east and is distinguished by its impressive five-tiered Rajagopuram, which serves as a majestic entrance to the temple complex. The temple is laid out with two concentric prakarams, allowing devotees to perform circumambulation while experiencing the shrine’s serene spiritual atmosphere. The presiding deity, Makaraleeshwarar, is enshrined as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam facing east, while Goddess Tribhuvananayaki occupies a separate south-facing sanctum. Together, the divine couple bestow their blessings upon devotees who visit this ancient and revered temple. The prakaram around the sanctum houses sannidhis dedicated to:
- Poyya Vinayakar
- Arumukhar (Six-faced Muruga seated on peacock with two consorts, facing north)
- 63 Nayanmars
- Nalvar - The four Nayanmars (Appar, Tirugnanasambandhar, Sundarar, Manikkavasakar)
- Navagrahas
The temple complex is built on an elevated platform, with a short flight of steps leading devotees to the main shrine area where the sanctums are situated. The entrance to the sanctum of the presiding deity is guarded by imposing Dwara Palakas, enhancing the grandeur of the sacred space. One of the most remarkable features of this temple is the unique form of the Lingam of Makaraleeshwarar, which bears a resemblance to the tail of a monitor lizard. According to temple tradition, Shiva manifested in this distinctive form before King Rajendra Chola I, thereby adding a layer of historical and spiritual significance.
Sacred Water Bodies
This sacred temple is associated with two important water bodies—Agni Theertham and the Seyyaru River—both of which hold special significance in the temple’s traditions and Sthala Purana. According to legend, devotees who take a holy bath in Agni Theertham and worship Makaraleeshwarar with sincere devotion are freed from the fear of Yamaloka and are ultimately blessed with a place in Shivaloka. The Seyyaru River, which flows to the south of the temple, is also regarded as highly sacred. Visiting the temple on Mondays and offering prayers is considered especially auspicious, and it is believed that childless couples who perform Anga Pradakshina around the temple receive the blessing of progeny. The Sthala Purana further records that Indra worshipped the presiding deity at this sacred site and was granted divine blessings. The temple is also glorified by the Thevaram hymns of Thirugnanasambandar, whose Pathikam on this shrine is preserved in the 1st Tirumurai.
Temple History and Legend
Brahma's Penance
Brahma, who had become proud of his position among the Trimurtis, incurred the displeasure of Shiva and was afflicted with a curse. Seeking forgiveness and liberation from its effects, he arrived at this sacred site, installed a Shiva Lingam, and performed intense worship with unwavering devotion. Moved by Brahma’s sincere penance, Shiva granted him absolution and removed the curse. Before returning to Satya Loka, Brahma is believed to have planted a jackfruit tree near the temple. According to tradition, this extraordinary tree miraculously yielded a single fruit every day.
The Jackfruit Tree Legend
King Rajendra Chozha was greatly fascinated by the miraculous jackfruit tree and the exceptional quality of its fruit. He therefore issued a royal decree that the daily fruit should first be offered to Nataraja at Chidambaram before being presented at the royal court. In accordance with the king’s command, the local villagers regularly carried the fruit to Chidambaram for worship and subsequently transported it to the Chozha capital.
Over time, the repeated journeys imposed considerable hardship on the local community. Witnessing their difficulties, the son of a nearby Andhanan (Brahmin) decided to cut down the tree in order to end the burden. When the daily supply of the sacred fruit suddenly ceased, the king investigated the matter and learned that the tree had been felled. Enraged by the act, he ordered the exile of the person responsible. Royal guards were dispatched immediately to carry out the punishment, and the king himself accompanied them to personally oversee the execution of his command.
Divine Revelation
While returning from the incident, the king noticed a golden-hued monitor lizard moving through the bushes on the outskirts of the area. Intrigued by its unusual appearance, he attempted to capture it. However, the creature swiftly escaped and disappeared into a nearby snake pit. Determined to seize it, the king ordered his men to excavate the pit. During the process, the monitor lizard’s tail was accidentally struck by their weapons, causing it to bleed profusely.
The sight deeply shocked the king, who collapsed to the ground in distress. When he regained consciousness, he heard a divine voice instructing him to build a temple at that very location. Realizing that the incident was a manifestation of divine will, King Rajendra Chozha faithfully obeyed the celestial command and constructed a Shiva temple at Tirumaakaral, thereby transforming the site into a revered place of worship.
Gallery - Tirumaakaraleeswarar Temple
