Mahadeva Malai Shiva Temple

Mahadeva Malai Shiva Temple

A temple dedicated to Shiva lies in the Mahadeva Malai Hills in Kankuppam village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. The temple lies to the west of Katpadi. It is situated on the hill-top, which is of a single stone. The temple is called Mahadeva Malai Temple, which was built by a trader of the Pandya kingdom. The temple is believed to be five hundred years old. The consort of Shiva in this temple is Goddess Kamakshi.

The presiding deity, which is the Shiva Lingam and the Nandi, are both Swayambu (self-manifested).
The temple has been built in the Dravidian style of architecture.A huge idol of Dakshinamoorthy has been installed. There is an idol of Kali Amman also in the temple. The Dwajasthambam stands in front of the Mandapam. A meditation hall has been built. There is a temple tank on the premises.

Legend

According to legend, there was a merchant who was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He prayed to have a Darshan (sacred vision) of Shiva. He was asked to visit Kalahasthi on Maha Shivaratri day. The merchant left for the pilgrimage, and he reached a place called K.V. Kuppam. He made enquiries there for the route to Kalahasthi. He was informed that he was far away from his destination. It was already Maha Shivaratri that day.The merchant was in despair and disappointed that he would be unable to reach Kalahasthi in time for the festival. An elderly man approached the trader and promised him a view of God. The two men reached a hill. The elderly man turned out to be Shiva, and he directed the merchant to build a temple there. The village where the merchant had met Shiva later came to be called Keezh Vazhi Thunai Kuppam.

Devotees visit the Mahadeva Malai Temple to seek Moksha (salvation). The people suffering from ailments and diseases visit this temple and make offerings to Shiva to be cured of diseases and ailments. People in financial distress or facing monetary issues visit the temple and offer prayers to Shiva to help them overcome financial obstacles. Others come to pray for knowledge and academic prowess.

The temple celebrates the Maha Shivratri festival on a grand scale every year in February-March.