The temple’s origins trace back to the 9th century CE during the Chola dynasty. Substantial additions were made by later Chola monarchs and successive ruling empires.
In antiquity, the forest encompassing Tirumullaivayil was inhabited by two infamous tribesmen, Vaanan and Onan of the Kurumbar tribe. King Thondaiman, the reigning monarch, sought to quell their lawlessness. Despite multiple efforts, he was unsuccessful, prompting him to prepare for war. With a formidable force comprising infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, he embarked on the journey. Along the way, they traversed a thick growth of Mullai plants (Jasmine climbers). An unexpected dilemma arose when the foot of the king’s elephant became ensnared in the dense foliage. To free the elephant, the king and his retinue resorted to using their swords and daggers to cut the wild twines. To their shock, they discovered a bleeding ‘lingam’ concealed within the leaves. Overwhelmed with remorse, the king believed he had committed a grave sin. Desperate for mercy and forgiveness from Lord Shiva, he fervently prayed. In response to his supplication, Shiva and Parvathi appeared before him, preventing him from causing self-inflicted harm. Shiva instructed the king to construct a temple on that very spot and assured him that He would dwell there as Masilamaniswara, a spotless Shiva resembling a precious gem (‘maasu’ – free of stains from bleeding). Shiva also pledged to support the king in vanquishing the Kurumbar tribe by dispatching His holy steed, the Nandi bull. As commanded by Shiva, Nandi stood ready to engage in battle at the king’s behest. This is why the Nandi in this temple faces outward, poised to depart for battle on Shiva’s orders, in contrast to other Shiva temples where Nandi faces inward, toward the sanctum.
The Siva lingam is perpetually adorned with Santhana (Sandalwood) kaapu and undergoes replacement only once a year.
This temple is part of the Sakthi triad in the Tondaimandalam region, with the other two being the Vadivudai Amman Temple in Tiruvottiyur and the Thiruvudai Amman Temple in Minjur.
Key Unique Features of the Temple:
- The Lingam is consistently covered with Santhana kaapu, except on one particular day.
- It is one of the three Shakti Triads, along with Thiruvottriyur and Minjur Amman temples.
- The Nandi faces outward, a rare characteristic shared by only four temples.
