மகாகாளேசுவரர் திருக்கோயில், திரு இரும்பை மாகாளம்
This relatively small but ancient Shivan temple is just outside of Pondicherry and is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thirugnanasampanthar composed the pathikam here. Legend says that there are 3 Mahakaleshwarar temples. One is the famous Jyotirlinga shrine in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Another is in Thiruvambar in the Kaveri Delta. This is the third one. The three faced copper plated lingam here is thought to be very unique.
மண்டு கங்கைசடையிற் கரந்தும் மதிசூடிமான்
கொண்ட கையாற் புரமூன்றெரித்த குழகன்னிடம்
எண்திசையும் புகழ்போய் விளங்கும் இரும்பைதனுள்
வண்டுகீதம் முரல்பொழில் கலாய்நின்ற மாகாளமே
Most of the current architecture is from the Chola period. Kulothungan III was the most important contributor with later contributions from Pandyan kings. Very beautiful murals give this temple a very special look. These are likely of more recent origin. The single tiered circular vimanams over the sanctums here are thought to be excellent examples of the Ekadala style.
A quiet, cozy but important temple where you could get close to the Lord.
It is located about 9 km or 15 minutes by car to the northwest of Pondicherry. We visited in May 2023. We were based in Pondicherry.
Credits: Google Maps
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