The Sri Madhimuktheeswarar Temple in Thiru Thilathaipathi is one of 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 58 Shiva Sthalams on the southern bank of the Cauveri River in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifesting) at this temple. This is a well-known “parihara sthalam” for carrying out ancestral ceremonies similar to those performed in Rameswaram. The central tower (Rajagopuram) of this temple faces east and has three stories. However, the reverse side of the tower is flat (no reliefs). The temple has one corridor. The sanctum’s tower is known as “Dhuvithala Vimanam”.
History of the Temple
The Sri Mathimuktheeswarar Temple is located on the southern banks of the Arisilaru River, which flows north to south. Rivers flowing in this direction are known as “Uthiravahini.” This location has formerly been known as Thilathai Pathi and Thilatharpanapuri. However, it is currently referred to as Sethalapathy. The temple’s historical name is Madhimutham.
Deities in the temple
In addition to the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, the corridors contain shrines and idols of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar with Sivakami, Ram, Lakshman, the Lingams worshiped by Ram, Kasi Visvanathar, Nagar, Gajalakshmi, Navagraham, Bairavar, Nalvar, Suryan, and Chandran. The “koshtam” (the area surrounding the sanctum sanctorum) contains idols of Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durgai. A modest shrine to Lord Mandaravaneswarar (Lord Shiva) can be found beneath the temple’s sthala viruksham (Manthara tree).
This temple is notable for having Lord Mahavishnu shown in three different postures: as Lord Ram, as Mahavishnu in place of Lingothbavar, and as Perumal beside Sreedevi and Poodevi.
Salient Features
“Nara Mukha Ganapathy” is one of the temple’s main deities, and he can be seen in a separate shrine near the entrance. This Vinayakar bears a human face. This is an uncommon form of Lord Vinayakar, also known as “Aadhi Vinakayar.” Goddess Parvathy is referred to here as “Sri Swarnavalli.” “Swarnam” means “gold” in Tamil. Those who are fond of gold and wish to obtain it might visit this temple and worship the goddess in order to receive her blessings.
Most of the idols in this shrine are exquisitely crafted. The idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Ram, Goddess Durgai, Nalvars, and Perumal are very impressive. Seven locations are said to be highly favorable for performing rituals for deceased ancestors. They include Banaras, Gaya, Rameswaram, Srivanchiam, Thiruvenkadu, Thilatharpanapuri (Sethalapathy), and the Thiriveni Sangam in Allahabad.
It is believed that Lord Suryan and Lord Chandran worshiped the Lord here at the same time. As a result, every day is considered a “new moon day” (Amavasya). In this shrine, their idols are also housed together. It is claimed that no date or time is required to perform the ceremonial rite in this location; any date is considered auspicious.
Greatness of this temple
Similar to Rameswaram, doing rituals for ancestors is regarded as extremely important. This is the parihara sthalam for “Pithru Dosha”.
Important Festival
The temple celebrates essential festivals such as Shivrathri in Masi (February-March) and Vinayakar Chaturthi in Aavani (August-September).
• Thiru Karthikai falls in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December).
• Regular observation of Pradosham.
• New moon days are celebrated with special poojas.
Sri Mathimuktheeswarar Temple Temple Timings
From 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Sri Madhimuktheeswarar Temple Temple Location
Sethalapathy is located around 25 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai-Thiruvarur road. Travel first to Poonthottam (20 km), then to Sethalapathy (5 km). The nearest railway station is Poonthottam, which is around 3 kilometers away from this temple.
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