Also known as: Kaithandapiran · Mana Anukooleswarar
Shiva temple at Thirumazhisai near Chennai, where the Lingam bears the mark of a sword cut and Nataraja and the goddess face each other with Nandi between them.
Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
Arulmigu Othandeswarar Temple at Thirumazhisai in Tiruvallur district is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Othandeswarar, with the goddess worshipped as Kulirvitha Nayagi.
Devotees believe that worshipping Othandeswarar brings strength of mind, which is why he is also called Mana Anukooleswarar. Couples facing discord in the family pray before the Nataraja and Ambal who face each other here, believing it brings peace of mind and unity.
This section records tradition as it is told. It is not presented as independently verified history.
King Karikala Chola was riding his elephant to worship Shiva at a nearby shrine when the elephant's leg became entangled in creepers. Unable to free it by hand, he cut the creepers with his sword, and blood gushed from beneath them. Parting the creepers, he found a Lingam hidden inside.
Stricken with remorse, the king cut off his own right hand with the same sword. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva appeared with the goddess on the Rishaba (bull) vahana and restored the hand. Hence the Lord is called Kaithandapiran, the Lord who gave back the hand.
The goddess comforted the king and calmed the hearts of all by recounting the stories of Shiva's devotees, and so she is called Kulirvitha Nayagi, the one who cooled.
The vimanam is built in the Gajaprishta (elephant-back) style.
Devotees fulfil their vows by offering vastram (cloth) to the deity and performing poojas.
Separate shrine for Saneeswaran (Lord Saturn) in the prakaram.
Ritual details have not been published yet.
Annual Brahmotsavam held in the Tamil month of Panguni.
Festival of one lakh lamps held in the Tamil month of Karthigai.
Celebrated when Saturn transits to the next rasi; the temple has a separate shrine for Saneeswaran.
Festival dates follow the Tamil calendar, so they change every year.
