Airavatheswarar Temple, Tiruedhirkolpaadi
| Location of the temple | Tiruedhirkolpaadi, near Tirumananjeri |
| Lord Shiva known as | Airavatheswarar |
| Female deity known as | Malarkkuzhal Madhammai, Sugandha Kundalambikai |
| Pathigam | Sundarar – 1 |
| How to reach | This sivasthalam temple is located very near to another paadal petra sthalam Tirumananjeri. Tiruedhirkollpaadi is known to local people as Melai Tirumananjeri. Bus services to Tirumananjeri is available from Mayiladuthurai. By engaging an auto at Kuththalam, one can visit all the 4 temples viz., Tiruthuruthi, Tiruvelvikudi, Tiruedhirkolpadi and Tirumananjeri easily within half a day. The temple is about 5 Kms. from Kuththalam bus stop. |
| Temple address | Arulmighu Airavatheswarar Temple Melai Tirumanancheri Tirumanancheri Post Kuththalam S.O. Mayiladuthurai Taluk Nagapattinam District PIN 609813 |
| Location map |
Map showing location of Ethirkolpadi temple Map courtesy by: Google Maps |
Ethirkolpadi is where Shiva, the bridegroom, was received by Bharatha Maharishi with the Poornakumbham, when He arrived for the marriage. This place has another legend too, according to which, Airavatam, the divine white elephant of Indiran worshipped Lord Shiva at this place to free itself from the sins. Hence, the main deity is called Airavatheswarar.
This temple has a 3 tier gopuram facing east.Once we enter through this tower, we can see Kotimara Vinayakar and Nandhi in separate mantapams. There are separate shrines for Vinayakar and Subramanyar in the outer corridor.