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Lord Shiva of the temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Sundarar. This is the 24th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.

It is believed that the Rajagopuram of the temple was built earlier by Mallappa Naicker. Presently it is a five tier structure facing east. Entering into the temple, there are the Balipeeta and the Kodimaram-flag post. Mothers shrine is on the right of the front Mandap. Ambica is small in stature in a sitting posture. Presiding deity is just opposite. Lord Muruga, Naalvar the four Saivite saints, Mother Gajalakshmi, Lord Kala Bhairava and Sani Bagwan shrines are in the prakara. Lords Bikshadanar, Balaganapathi, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthi, Lingodhbava, Brahmma, planet Rahu and Mother Durga are in the goshta walls.

Indira the king of Devas arrogantly neglected the garland presented to him by Sage Duruvasa. The garland was the one offered to Lord Shiva in pujas. His Iravadham elephant too was equally indifferent as its master. Angry Sage cursed Indira that his head would be chopped off by a weapon in the hands of Pandya king. Shocked and trembling, Indira sought the pardon of the sage. The sage said his crown would fall down saving his head.

Iravadham came down to earth and wandered among many places worshipping Lord Shiva and finally got relieved of the curse in this place. As Iravadha worshipped Lord Shiva here, He is praised as Iravada Easwarar. Mother is worshipped as Sugantha Kundalambika and Malar Kuzhal Nayaki in Tamil. Indira too got back his position.

Dont change your mind, be determined to worship Lord at Ethirkolpadi says Saint Sundarar in his celebrated hymns. It is noteworthy that that the Bhakti relationship between Lord Shiva and Sundarar was as one between bosom friends. As Iravadham worshipped here, the sanctum sanctorum is vast enough that an elephant can enter in it.

People organize wedding receptions in the temple hoping that the couple would be close to each other as Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi.

Sage Bharatha, as head priest, conducted the wedding of Lord and Mother at Tiruvelvikudi and invited them to his place Tirumananjeri. He arranged a grand reception to the divine couple. He welcomed (Ethir Kollal in Tamil) the divine couple with due honours. Hence, the place is named as Ethirkol Padi. Presently it is known as Melakoil.

Moolavar: Airavatheswarar

Amman / Thayar: Sugantha Kundalambikai, Malarkkuzhal Madhammai

Theertham: Iravadha theertham

Pathigam: Sundarar

Old year: 1000-2000 years old

Historical Name: Ethirkolpadi

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.

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.

Lord Shiva in the temple is Swayambumurthi.

Chithirai Indira Vizha in (April-May)

Karthikai Mondays in November-December

Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in (December-January) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Majority of the devotees pray for recovery of things lost, restoration of positions lost, those suffering from stomach problems and those for recovery of losses in business and facing delays in wedding matters. It is believed that Lord would relieve them from their sufferings as He did in the case of Indira and his Iravadha elephant.

Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Sri Iravadeshwarar Temple, Mela Tirumananjeri-609 813, Ethirkolpadi, Nagapattinam district. Contact Number - +91 4364 235 487

Do:

Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
Do not smoke at Temple.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.