The Kadai Pillai Ayyanar temple is located in Melur village near Srirangam town of Trichy district. The temple is at a serene place where a crossover bridge is placed across the river Cauvery. People visit this temple and offer worship to the powerful deity who watches over the inhabitants of this village. They pay their first respects to Kadai Pillai Ayyanar before they embark on a long journey or initiate an auspicious event.
The temple is set amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings.
Depiction
Although the temple is small, it sits majestically on the banks of the sacred river. Cauvery.
There are giant statues of an elephant and a horse, believed to be the Divine Vahanas (Vehicles) of the deity, at the temple's entrance that enhances spiritual thoughts and prayers towards the deity.
The Moolavar or main deity is Kadai Pillai Ayyanar. He is worshipped as the Custodian deity by the people of Melur.
Speciality
The Guardian deity Karuppaswamy, who has his shrine opposite the main deity, has his eyes embellished with precious stones that make him look directly at you.
The power of Kadai Pillai Ayyanar was visible when the river Cauvery was in spate, and massive floods surrounded the village of Melur. The inhabitants offered prayers with a sincere heart, and suddenly, the floods receded and affected the other villages. The villagers witnessed the miracle, immediately prepared a feast, and offered the deity who had blessed them immensely.
One day, Chivandhiyandi Konar from Sri Rangam was grazing his cattle near the temple. Ayyanar appeared before him and asked him to offer him milk anointment daily. Konar refused, and Ayyanar annihilated him.
That night, he appeared in Konar's wife's dream and told her he had kept her husband with him as he had disobeyed his orders. He asked her family and their descendants to be the priests for his temple. They obeyed his orders, and till today, the temple priests belong to the Konar community, the only ones who can perform Poojas to the deity.
Legend
According to legend, hundreds of years ago, a small bird called Kadai Kuruvi used to take a bath in the river and sit on a particular mound. Out of curiosity, the villagers were amused and started to dig at this place. They were surprised to find a small statue of Ayyanar in a Yogic posture. The people later called this idol Kadai Pillai Ayyanar after the Kadai Kuruvi bird. Later, they built a temple for Ayyanar and offered worship there.
Another fascinating legend about this temple is that King Karikala Cholan was searching for a perfect spot to build the Kallanai dam. As the king and his army arrived at this place, the elephants and horses refused to move forward.
One of his soldiers was suddenly possessed by Ayyanar, who asked the king for some of his elephants and horses and promised to assist him in his search for a favourable spot. Karikala Cholan accepted this wish, and the elephants and horses started moving. Later, the king built vast statues of elephants and horses before the temple of Ayyanar, which still stands.
Prayers
A unique festival is held for Kadai Pillai Ayyanar every year as the Guardian Deity of the natives of Melur, and every villager attends it. At the end of the festival, the Chamiadi (Prophet) is possessed by Ayyanar and announces the date for next year. Devotees pray for timely marriage, see a suitable life partner, and pray for child boons. He also grants protection against natural calamities and adversity. The local community worships the deity for spiritual protection and blessings.
Timings
The temple is open between 6.00 am and 8.00 pm.
Access
Bus
The temple is located in Melur village near Trichy. Buses are available at the Sri Rangam bus stand in Trichy.
Train
The railway station is at Sri Rangam and Trichy. One can take a bus or taxi from here to the temple.
Airport
The airport nearest to the temple is at Trichy.
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