Iyravatheswarar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Thirumanancheri, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Chola Temple Paadal Petra Sthalam South India Temple Tevaram Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 07:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Iyravatheswarar Temple at Melai Thirumanancheri, historically known as Ethirkolpadi, is an ancient Shiva temple in the Mayiladuthurai region. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Iyravatheswarar, with Suguntha Kundalambigai as the Goddess. The temple is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams and is associated with the Tevaram hymn tradition of Sundarar.

🏛 Temple History

The temple is believed to have existed before the 7th century, based on its association with Sundarar's Tevaram hymn. It was subsequently reconstructed and developed during the Chola period. Around 28 inscriptions have been recorded at the temple, mainly belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries. These inscriptions document donations for lamps, prayer materials, feeding ascetics, temple construction and other religious activities. The temple faces west and has a three-tier Rajagopuram. The sanctum contains the shrine of Iyravatheswarar, while the temple complex includes shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan with Valli and Devasena, Nataraja, Mahalakshmi, Navagraha deities, Bhairava and other deities.

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Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

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No daily poojas available.

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Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

🕉️

No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening opening hours for darshan.
This is an important stop for devotees following the Paadal Petra Sthalam circuit.
Married couples traditionally visit the temple seeking the blessings of Shiva and Parvati.
The temple can be combined with other important Shiva temples around Mayiladuthurai and Kuthalam.
Festival and special worship days can attract more devotees, so allow additional time for darshan.
Confirm timings locally before travelling, especially on festival days.