Temples
Shiva temple
Vishnu temple
Jain temple
Oomai Sundhi Amman Temple
Pidari Amman temple
Mariyamman Temple
Angalamman Temple
Athangarayal Temple
Shiva temple
Magaral is primarily known to others only because of this Shiva temple. It is a majestic architectural structure comparedto other Shiva temples in the surrounding places. The temple is in the eastern part of the village. We have to walk through a long pathway to enter the temple through the front side. It is a beautiful path where both sides are fullof coconut trees. Before we enter into the temple, on the left side there is a small mahal which can be used for private functions with the permission of the temple authorities for a nominal fee. On the left side Vahana mandapam is seen. There is also a Magizhampoo tree whose flowers have much pleasant fragrance.
The Gopuram of the temple is very high which adds grandeur to the temple. Once we get into the temple first we see the Tapasthambam, after that the Nandi. To the left is the sacred pond of the temple, called Agni theertham. We have to walk around the outer Prakaram via the left side. In evening, hearing the Thevara Isai of the temple Odhuvar, this walk in outer Prakaram will stir our soul for spirituality. In the back portion there is a Nandavanam. After this we have to get into the roofed part of the temple. This entrance is an excellent elevated structure. Once we get above there, we see Dwarabalakas on both sides. Inside we see Ambal sannidhi to our right and Murugar sannidhi in the left. Again we have to walk along the inner Prakaram. We see 63 Nayanmars, Valampuri Vinayagar Sannidhi, Murugar Sannidhi with Valli and Deivanai, Natarajar Sannidhi, Bhairavar Sannidhi and Navagraha Sannidhi. The main deity of this temple is Thirumagaraleeswarar or Agatheesar. For Dharshan, again we have to get on to the elevated place through steps.
The Lingam of this temple is said to be the tail of a giant lizard. As per the Puranic or legendary account, the Chola king once saw a giant golden coloured lizard, which is called Udumbu in Tamil. When the king chased it in astonishment, it sped away and got into an ant-hill. The king tried to dig the place. Even after digging for a long distance he could see the Udumbu. But the tail of it suddenly appeared as a Swayambulingam. The king felt the sacredness of this incident. With much reverence and Bhakti, he built a temple in that place, which is the present Iswaran or Shiva temple.
First among the Samayakkuravar Nalvar (four saints) of the Saivaite bhakti movement in Tamil Nadu, the great Thirugnanasambandar arrived to Magaral around 6th to 7th Century AD. In his pathigam Sambandar calls the deity as ‘Magaralulaane!’, (meaning god residing in Magaral). In the songs the fertility and beauty of Magaral had been given wide description. The present structure of the temple had evolved over the years. During the period of Sambandar, it might have been only a small place of worship. There is place called Sambandar Mandapam to the east of the Shiva temple. It is believed that only in this place Sambandar recited his Thevara Pathigam on Magaral. This mandapam had been left out without any care. The path leading to the mandapam is full of thorny bushes. With the co-operation of the villagers and volunteers the glory of this place can be restored. There is also another Shiva temple near the northern bank of the Cheyyar river. It is in a very dilapidated condition. Probably it could have been the old Shiva temple. Even it is said that in the very olden days, Magaral village was situated only around this place and it has moved northwards in the later period to the present place. Only deep researches can confirm these claims.
Vishnu temple
This temple is in the western side of the village. The place of the temple is little elevated. Before the main gopuram of the temple we see the Anjaneyar sannidhi. Before entering the temple in the right side there is vahana mandapam. Inside the temple first we see the Tapasthambam. The walk around the outer temple Prakaram will relax our mind. In the western side there is an inner wall and outer wall to the temple. In between lies the temple Nandavanam. But it is not in a usable position now. The frontal architecture of the inner premises of the temple is simple but beautiful. There are three sannidhis. Main one is the Veetrirundha Perumal sannidhi. God gives dharshan in the sitting posture which is rare and can be found only in a few Vishnu temples. This temple belongs to the Vadakalai sect of the Sri Vaishnavam in Tamil Nadu. To the left of Perumal sannidhi is the Kamalavalli Thayar sannidhi and to the right is Andal sannidhi. The temple has a well to draw water for abhishekam to god. There is tree called Nandhiyavattai Maram inside the temple premises. The flower of this tree is used to cure some eye problems. This temple was built probably only in the later period, some time after 15th Century AD.
Jain temple
It is situated in the western part of the village, behind the Vishnu temple. Its antiquity and history has not been studied, established and recorded by any archeological efforts. But seeing in the general historical setting of the Magaral village, this temple must have a very old history. During the 6th and 7th Century AD, the great Saivite saints Sambandar and Appar visited many parts of Tamil Nadu to spread Saivism. It was a period of social upheaval and revival as far as the history of Tamil Nadu is concerned. That is why it is appropriately termed as Bhakti movement. The Samayakkuravar (Religious saints) targeted Jainism and Buddhism wherever they went. These two had a strong presence in Tamil Nadu and even enjoyed the official support of the kings. Many Pallava kings and Pandya kings were the followers of Jainism during that period. So the movement of Sambandar and Appar tried to garner the support of people across communities in Tamil Nadu for Saivism. In doing so, they vigorously campaigned against the then established religions of Jainism and Buddhism and broke the status quo they enjoyed in society.
In this perspective, the arrival of Sambandar to Magaral and the presence of the Jain temple have to be seen together. The majority of the agricultural communities in Magaral could have staunchly stood in support of Saivism with the arrival of Sambandar. It could be assumed, prior to this, there might be many Jains in Magaral, but later they and their religion were sidelined. Some elders in the village even said, that their parents and grand parents warned them not to bring even a small brick from the Jain temple premises to their houses. It is a clearly a sign of strong opposition to Jainism in Magaral history and its legacy continuing even in the present period.
The Jain temple in Magaral has been renovated only a few years back. Before that it was in a dilapidated condition and approaching the temple was very difficult because the path was full of thorny bushes. Many statues, some damaged and broken, were found around the surrounding places of the Jain temple. But they are not seen now. The renovation efforts of the Jains, gave the temple and its premises a very good look, cleanliness and neatness. Regular poojas are done by the Jain priests regularly and annual festivals are also being conducted now.
Oomai Sundhi Amman Temple
As the name suggests, this goddess is speechless or dumb. This temple is situated outside the village in the western direction. There is a place called ‘Edaplaya Thoppu’ near small lake. Even though this place of worship is in the outskirts of Magaral, it has close links with it. No day-to-day regular poojas are performed, except for the occasional functions conducted by the individual families, as the deity is also Kuladeivam (clan goddess) to some people. As per the Idhigam (religious belief) Oomai Sundhi is the younger sister of Pidari Amman whose other name is Sundhi Amman. During the ten day festival to Pidari Amman, Oomai Sundhi is carried to her sister’s place. now.
Pidari Amman temple
As said before, the other name of this goddess is Sundhi Amman. This temple is in the western part of Magaral, to the northwest of Vishnu temple. Sapta kanniyar and Naga kanniyar sannidhis are famous in this temple. The person who performs daily poojas in this temple is called Osan. Every year during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) ten day festival is conducted. The Thiruvizha (festival) starts with Kaapu Kattudhal, which is the announcement that the festival has commenced. During this period, a god-man will walk around the village in the midnight beating a drum. It is believed that the goddess reside inside this drum and save the village. The single beat drum sound creates fear in the minds of the people. People should not come opposite to the god-man and see him during this night time. Two persons accompany him, one carrying Theevatti (light) and other beating a different kind of drum (Tappu). During the eighth day of the festival, the deity is taken to the village common place called Mandaiveli. After many rituals, a goat is given as Bali (religious killing of animals). The goat meat is carried to the eastern part of the village. Pongal is cooked there using this meat. This Pongal is thrown upwards towards the sky. It is believed that the Devadaigal (godly creatures) eat this and go away.
Mariyamman Temple
It is in the western part of Magaral, close to the pond. A three-day yearly festical held in this temple during the month of Aadi. During the third day, the deity is carried around the village in the temple car. Koothu (traditional folk drama centered on Puranic themes) is performed in the night for the entertainment of the people.
Angalamman Temple
This temple is situated is eastern side of the village, to the northeast of the Shiva temple. One-day annual festival is conducted on the new moon day in the Tamil month of Masi (February-march). During the event called Mayaana Kollai the deity is carried to the graveyard. After many rituals, people throw fish, dry fish and vegetables towards the sky. These are then carried to the home and cooked.
Athangarayal Temple
It is situated in the eastern part of Magaral. In the month of Aadi a three-day festival is celebrated. Giving goats and chicken as Bali to the goddess is a significant event.