Irumbai

Irumbai Maakaalam - Sri Maha Kaleswarar Temple

Irumbai Maakaalam is the 32nd and last of the Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu region. There are 3 maahalam where Shiva gave dharshan, of these this the center of the three ( North – Ujjain, south Ambar Maahalam and this is at the center  ). Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

Saint Tirugnanasambandar had praised the Lord of the temple in Thevaram hymn as one wearing the sacred ash, accompanied by the daughter of the Mount (Parvatha Rajakumari), one who stripped the skin of the wild elephant, wearing the crescent moon and worshipped by those of impeccable traits, all merciful in Irumbai.   

Significance of the temple:

v  Irumbai is the 32nd Shiva temple in Tondai nadu region praised in Thevaram hymns.

v  A very interesting feature of this temple is that the entire nine planets can been seen with their spouses in the Navagraha Sannadhi.

v  The legend of Kaduveli Siddhar (who lived about 600 years ago) is associated with this place.

Sthala Puranam: Two demons securing boons from Lord Shiva wanted to Have Mother Parvathi for them and marry Her.  Mother Parvathi incarnated as Maha Kali and destroyed them.  For killing the lives, even Mother was inflicted with the Brahmmahati Dosha and was wandering in this place.  She performed penance on Lord Shiva and got relieved of the dosha.  Later, a Rishi, Maakalar by name, during his pilgrimage installed one Linga in Ujjaini in North and one at Ambar Makala near Mayiladuthurai in South and worshipped them.  Coming to know the reputation of this place, he installed one Linga here too and named the Lord Mahalanathar. 

Irumbai Makalam - Sri Maha Kaleswarar Temple இரும்பை மாகாளம் - மாகாளேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
Main Deity	Lord Shiva
Name	Sri Maha Kaleswarar
Goddess Name	Sri Mathura Sundara Nayagi, Sri Kuyilmozhi Nayaki
Location	Irumbai
Historical Name	Tiru Irumbai Makalam
Significance	32nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Tondai Nadu One of 275 Devaram Padal Petram Sthalams,
Ancient	1500 years old
Travel Base	Viluppuram / Pondy

How to Reach :  One has to travel by Tindivanam - Pondicherry (via Kiliyanur) road and get down at Thiruchitrambalam Cross Road. A branch road from here leads to the temple (2 Kms. from this cross road.) This shivasthalam temple is located about 9 Kms from Pondicherry.

Shri Mahakaleswarar Temple,

Irumbai-605 010,

Villupuram district.

Another Paadal petra Sthalam Tiruarisili is located at a distance of 5 Kms to the north-west of this sthalam.