160. VILLIYANALLUR

KALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 13kms from Mayiladuthurai

Shiva: Kaleeswarar, Brahmapureeswarar

Amman: Sivakami

Theertham: Homa Kulam

Speciality:

This is one of the Pancha Kurosa Sthalas of Thirumananchery.

It is believed that before the marriage which took place between Amman and Shiva in Thirumananchery Shiva performed a Homa in the banks of the temple pond in this village. Lord Vinayaka conducted this Homa. Therefore the temple pond is called Homakulam. There is an Irattai Vinayaka temple in the banks of the pond. 

The Prahara and parivara deities present in all Shiva temples are found here also.

The special deity of this temple is Chadhurmuga Chandikeswarar. Chandikeswarar with 4 faces. The Chandikeswarar is not in his usual positions as in other temples. It is near the Nandhi. It is said to be the Brahmasthanam of this temple.

This temple is also known as Brahmapureeswarar as worshipped by Brahma.