History of Masilamani Nathar Temple
As we know, Tamil Nadu is known to entice tourists with numerous magnificent temples, and Masilamani Nathar Temple is one such example. This Pandyan temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the shore temples in India. This temple is situated precisely in front of the British Collector's Bungalow, now known as Bungalow on the Beach by Neemrana Hotels. This Tharangambadi temple is built near the sea by the Pandya King Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan and dates back to the 13th century.
Architecture of Masilamani Nathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 700-year-old Shiv temple in Tamil Nadu was built with an exemplary conglomeration of Chinese and Tamil architecture to attract Chinese merchants who were interested in trade. Chinese builders follow a design pattern of feng shui that involves the use of bilateral symmetry along with enclosed open spaces. Additionally, in Tamilian architecture (also known as Dravidian architecture), the temples and monuments were built with complex engineering and various sculptures with rich inscriptions on the walls, intended to impart knowledge. Although now in ruins because of weathering and coastal erosion, tourists can still witness the rich South Indian architecture on the temple dome and entrance door.
Deity of Masilamani Nathar Temple
Masilamani Nathar temple is situated very close to the famous Danish Fort - Dansborg, and this temple is known for surviving the tsunami of 2006. This holy site built on the shore has its koshta shrine for the three presiding deities - Dakshinamurti, Lingodhbhavar, and Vinayakar. The pilgrims can also witness Nandi and Balipeeta to the left side of the shine. The second shrine, or the kosta Dakshinamurthy, idols of Lingotpava and Brahma, can be seen. Similarly, the third shrine or the prakara shrine houses idols of Vinayaka, Subramania, with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Balamuruga, Akilandesvari and Gajalakshmi.
Newly Built Masilamani Nathar Temple
Owing to its ancient heritage, the consecration ceremony of Masilamani Nathar Temple was held on 1st September 2013 to continue the legacy that this temple carries. Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple, can be seen in the sanctum sanctorum. The new temple is built facing the sea, just like the old one. However, the newly built temple is painted with bright shades of pastel and inscriptions about Kulasekarapatnam and Sadakanbadi. Devotees can sit by the temple and be engrossed by the blissful wave of holiness or learn about the vivid stories of 700-plus years that the temple silently narrates.