The Flawless Gem of Thirumullaivoyal – Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple
திருமுல்லைவாயில் மாசிலாமணீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
Did you know Chennai hides a 1,000-year-old temple where inscriptions speak of Chola queens, Pandya kings, and Vijayanagara emperors? Let’s step into this unmissable heritage site.
Directions / Location:
Located in Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 22 km from the city centre. Accessible via Chennai–Tiruvallur High Road (CTH Road), and well-connected by suburban trains and buses.
Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ Paadal Petra Sthalam: praised in Tevaram hymns.
✦ Unique Nandi: facing outward as if ready to march.
✦ Epigraphic Treasures: Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara records (ARE 662, 669, 672, 674, 681–684, 698 of 1904).
Architecture Wonder:
✦ Sanctum crowned by a Gaja Prishtam (apsidal elephant-back) vimana, a rare form in Dravidian architecture.
✦ Ancient Vellerukku (Calotropis) wood pillars are still remembered in the site tradition.
✦ A 16-pillared mandapa with fine early Chola artistry.
Little History:
✦ Sembiyan Mahadevi’s grant (ARE 669, 1904) marks the temple in her endowment network.
✦ Rajendra I’s gifts (ARE 677–678, 1904) include jewels and wealth, reflecting prosperity.
✦ Later inscriptions from Kulottunga III, Rajaraja III, Pandya Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I, and Vijayanagara rulers Harihara II & Mallikarjuna Raya show continuous patronage.
Today, it stands as a living monument—reminding us that Chennai has many heritage sites we often overlook, and this is one of the must-visit temples.
Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan, Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Thirumullaivoyal, Chola inscriptions, ARE 1904, Gaja Prishtam vimana, Chennai heritage, Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Chithiram Pesuthada
The Flawless Gem of Thirumullaivoyal – Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple
திருமுல்லைவாயில் மாசிலாமணீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
Did you know Chennai hides a 1,000-year-old temple where inscriptions speak of Chola queens, Pandya kings, and Vijayanagara emperors? Let’s step into this unmissable heritage site.
Directions / Location:
Located in Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 22 km from the city centre. Accessible via Chennai–Tiruvallur High Road (CTH Road), and well-connected by suburban trains and buses.
Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ Paadal Petra Sthalam: praised in Tevaram hymns.
✦ Unique Nandi: facing outward as if ready to march.
✦ Epigraphic Treasures: Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara records (ARE 662, 669, 672, 674, 681–684, 698 of 1904).
Architecture Wonder:
✦ Sanctum crowned by a Gaja Prishtam (apsidal elephant-back) vimana, a rare form in Dravidian architecture.
✦ Ancient Vellerukku (Calotropis) wood pillars are still remembered in the site tradition.
✦ A 16-pillared mandapa with fine early Chola artistry.
Little History:
✦ Sembiyan Mahadevi’s grant (ARE 669, 1904) marks the temple in her endowment network.
✦ Rajendra I’s gifts (ARE 677–678, 1904) include jewels and wealth, reflecting prosperity.
✦ Later inscriptions from Kulottunga III, Rajaraja III, Pandya Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I, and Vijayanagara rulers Harihara II & Mallikarjuna Raya show continuous patronage.
Today, it stands as a living monument—reminding us that Chennai has many heritage sites we often overlook, and this is one of the must-visit temples.
#ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan #Masilamaneeswarar #Thirumullaivoyal #CholaArchitecture #TamilHeritage #TempleTrails #HiddenChennai
Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan, Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Thirumullaivoyal, Chola inscriptions, ARE 1904, Gaja Prishtam vimana, Chennai heritage, Paadal Petra Sthalam.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 23