History :

Sithalapathy Muktheeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Madurai in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Muktheeswarar. The Temple is also called as Iravadheshvarar Temple. The temple is located south of Vaigai river at Vandiyur. This temple is situated near the famous Teppakulam area of Madurai.

Legends :

Indira’s vehicle, the while elephant Iravadham ignored a flower used in Shiva Pooja. It was cursed by Rishi Durvasa. It wandered among the wild elephants and finally was relieved of the curse. It worshiped Lord Shiva for his grace. As Indira could not find the Iravadha elephant even after the term of the curse, he set out in search of the animal. Before returning to the upper world with his Master Indira, the elephant wanted to worship Lord Shiva. It created a place after its name, worshiped Muktheeswarar. Even today, according to the documents of the temple, the place is known as Iravadha Nallur.

Temple History :

The temple has just one outer prakaram. The mandapam leading to the sanctum sanctorum is big. Presiding Deity is called as Muktheeswarar. It is noteworthy that the rays of Sun Rays fall on the Presiding Deity Muktheeswarar during the days from 10/11 to 22/23 in the month of March and again between September 18 to 30 and these rays remain for about 20 minutes each day. As Sun God himself is worshipping the Lord with his rays submitted at his feet, there is no special shrine for the Navagrahas 9 Planetes. It is also believed that a direct prayer to Lord Muktheeswarar would relieve the devotee from the adverse effects of the planets. Mother is called as Maragathavalli. The Thiruvilayadals (miracle deeds) of Lord Shiva are very beautifully sculpted in the pillars of the temple, besides the scenes of penance of Rishis. There is also an idol of Ekabadramurthy combining the forms of Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva with only two feet…