What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Mela Kadambur Amirthakadeswarar Temple?

High medieval · Hindu · India

Mela Kadambur Amirthakadeswarar Temple

மேலக்கடம்பூர் அமிர்தகடேஸ்வரர் கோயில்

Melakadambur, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu · 11.2369°, 79.5260°

Amirthakadeswarar (Shiva), with Vidyujothi NayakiCholaKarakkoil (chariot form), DravidianPaadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

1070 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

c. 1100 (Kulottunga Chola I)

Chola

History & significance

A rare karakkoil — a temple sculpted as a festival chariot, its vimana shaped like a wheeled car — built under emperor Kulottunga Chola I. It is the 88th Paadal Petra Sthalam, sung by Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar.

Sthala katha — the legend

Indra is said to have sought to carry the shrine to heaven, but Ganesha pinned its chariot wheel to the earth so the lord would remain for worship here.

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