Tiruvasi Mattruraivaradeswarar Temple – Where Shiva Verified Gold and Healed Devotees

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Location

This sacred temple is located in Tiruvasi, near Manachanallur Taluk in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) District, Tamil Nadu. The historical name of the place is Tirupalasiramam, and the temple is situated on the northern bank of the River Cauvery, making it part of the revered Chola Nadu region.

Deities and Subshrines

  • Main Deity:
    Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mattruraivaradar (also known as Mattru Urai Nathar), meaning “the Lord who confirmed the purity of gold.”
    He is enshrined under a Rudraksha Pandal in the sanctum sanctorum.
  • Consort:
    Goddess Balambikai, a graceful form of Parvati, is housed in a separate shrine.
  • Subshrines Include:
    • Anugnai Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha)
    • Selva Vinayaka
    • Sahasralinga Shrine (a thousand lingams)
    • Navagrahas – with Surya (Sun God) depicted alongside Prathyusha Devi
    • Adhikara Nandi – with his consort under the Rajagopuram
    • Annamam Poigai – a sacred waterbody near the shrine of Balambikai

Temple Significance

  • Paadal Petra Sthalam:
    This temple is one of the 275 sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Tirugnanasambandar and Sundarar, making it a spiritually potent site.
  • Sundarar’s Gold Legend:
    Saint Sundarar once prayed here for gold to support Shiva devotees. Lord Shiva granted the gold, but Sundarar doubted its purity. Two mysterious men appeared to verify it—later revealed to be Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This divine episode gave the deity the name Mattru Urai Nathar, meaning “the Lord who confirmed the touch of gold”.
  • Healing Power:
    The temple is also associated with Saint Tirugnanasambandar, who cured a king’s daughter of epilepsy through his hymns. This led to the unique depiction of Sarpa Nataraja (Shiva dancing with serpents).
  • Spiritual Benefits:
    Devotees light lamps with Iluppai oil for family welfare and pray to Goddess Balambikai for child blessings. The temple is believed to remove evil influences and grant material and spiritual prosperity.

Historical Background

Located in Tiruvasi, near Manachanallur in Tiruchirappalli district, this temple is believed to be over 1500 years old. The ancient name of the place is Tirupalasiramam, and the temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the Tevaram hymns by saints Tirugnanasambandar and Sundarar. It stands as a testament to Tamil Shaiva devotion and Chola-era temple culture.

Legends

  • Sundarar’s Gold Test:
    Saint Sundarar prayed for gold to support Shiva devotees. Lord Shiva granted it, but Sundarar doubted its purity. Two mysterious men appeared to verify the gold—later revealed to be Shiva and Vishnu in disguise. This earned the deity the name Mattruraivaradar, meaning “the Lord who confirmed the purity of gold”.
  • Healing Miracle:
    A Chola king’s daughter suffered from epilepsy. After failed treatments, Tirugnanasambandar sang a hymn that cured her. Shiva then appeared as Sarpa Nataraja, dancing on a serpent instead of the usual demon Muyalakan—a unique iconographic feature of this temple.
  • Shiva’s Favorite Abode:
    According to legend, when Goddess Parvati asked Shiva about his most beloved place, he named Tirupalasiramam, praising its spiritual energy and the austerities performed there.

Architectural Highlights

  • Dravidian Style:
    The temple showcases classic Dravidian architecture, with a majestic Rajagopuram, intricately carved mandapams, and a serene layout that blends spiritual depth with artistic finesse.
  • Sanctum Features:
    The Shiva Lingam is enshrined under a Rudraksha Pandal, and the temple includes rare shrines like Sahasralinga, Surya with Prathyusha Devi, and Adhikara Nandi with his consort.
  • Sacred Tank:
    Near the shrine of Goddess Balambikai, the temple features Annamam Poigai, a holy waterbody tied to legends of divine bird worship.

Rituals and Worship Practices

  • Daily Pujas:
    The temple follows traditional Shaiva rituals with four main pujas daily:
    • Kaala Santhi (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM)
    • Uchi Kaalam (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
    • Sayaratchai (5:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
    • Arthajamam (7:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
  • Lighting Iluppai Oil Lamps:
    Devotees light lamps using Iluppai oil to seek blessings for family welfare and protection from negative energies.
  • Special Offerings to Goddess Balambikai:
    Women pray for child blessings, and devotees offer turmeric, kumkum, and bangles to the goddess.
  • Sarpa Nataraja Worship:
    Unique to this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Sarpa Nataraja, dancing on a serpent instead of the usual demon. This form is believed to remove doshas and grant mental peace.

Major Festivals Celebrated

  • Maha Shivaratri:
    The most prominent festival, celebrated with night-long abhishekams, chanting, and special darshan of Lord Mattruraivaradar.
  • Thiruvadirai:
    Celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, with special rituals for Sarpa Nataraja.
  • Navaratri:
    Dedicated to Goddess Balambikai, with nine days of alankaram, homams, and cultural programs.
  • Aadi Pooram & Panguni Uthiram:
    Marked by special pujas and processions, especially for devotees seeking marital harmony and fertility blessings.

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

  • Gold Purity Legend:
    Saint Sundarar received gold from Lord Shiva here. When he doubted its purity, Shiva and Vishnu appeared in disguise to confirm it—earning the deity the name Mattruraivaradar, “the Lord who verifies purity”.
  • Healing Power:
    Saint Tirugnanasambandar cured a Chola king’s daughter of epilepsy through his hymns. This miracle is commemorated through the Sarpa Nataraja form of Shiva.
  • Karmic Relief:
    Worship here is believed to remove doshas, grant material prosperity, and lead to spiritual elevation.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    These hours may extend during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Thiruvadirai, when special abhishekams and darshans are held.

Getting There

Location:
Tiruvasi (ancient name: Tirupalasiramam), near Manachanallur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu

By Road:

  • From Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): ~18 km via NH81
  • From Srirangam: ~22 km
  • Local buses and taxis are available from Trichy and Manachanallur

By Train:

  • Nearest station: Tiruchirappalli Junction
  • From there, take a bus or taxi to Tiruvasi

By Air:

  • Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~25 km)

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or during Maha Shivaratri for the full spiritual experience and crowd-free darshan.

  • Bring Iluppai Oil: If you plan to light lamps for family welfare, carry Iluppai oil or purchase it near the temple.
  • Special Mondays: Worship on Mondays during Karthigai month is considered highly auspicious.
  • Quiet Reflection: The temple’s serene riverside setting is ideal for meditation and spiritual journaling.
  • Photography: Respect temple rules—avoid photos inside the sanctum and during pujas.
  • Prasadam: Available during major festivals; check with temple staff for timings.

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