Kanchipuram Arulmigu Thiru Metrali Nathar Temple

Kanchipuram Arulmigu Thiru Metrali Nathar Temple is a historic Paadal Petra Sthalam (Thondai Nadu Shrine #2) glorified in the Tevaram hymns of Saints Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Sundaramurthy Nayanar. Located in the weaver colony of Pillaiyarpalayam on the western side (Mel-Thali) of the ancient temple city of Kanchipuram, the temple represents 1,300 years of Pallava and Chola architectural heritage.

The temple complex features a 3-tiered gopuram, a spacious outer prakaram housing the sacred Odha Ethi Theertham, and an inner sanctum housing a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam. The shrine is celebrated for two legendary events: Lord Vishnu performing penance to Shiva to regain His male form after the Mohini avatar, and Lord Shiva bestowing gold coins upon Saint Sundarar out of grace even without explicit prayers (Odha Ethiyappar).

Lord Vishnu's Penance & Mel-Thali Origin Legend

According to the Kanchi Puranam, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini (the divine enchantress) during the cosmic distribution of Amritham (nectar of immortality) to deceive the Asuras. After the task was completed, Lord Vishnu desired to shed the Mohini form and regain His original masculine form (Purusha Roopam).

Lord Vishnu travelled to Kanchipuram, selected a peaceful spot on the western side of the town (Mel-Thali), dug the sacred Vishnu Theertham (Odha Ethi Theertham), and established a Shiva Lingam. He performed intense penance worshipping Lord Shiva. Pleased by Vishnu's sincere prayers, Lord Shiva manifested from the Lingam, restored Vishnu to His original divine form, and granted Him eternal peace. Since the temple was established on the western side (Mel = West, Thali = Temple), it came to be known as Thiru Metrali, and the presiding deity was named Sri Metrali Nathar.

Saint Sundarar's Gold Coin Miracle (Odha Ethiyappar)

When Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) visited Thiru Metrali during his pilgrimage, he offered intense devotional service, sweeping the temple corridors and singing Tevaram hymns without asking for any material boons (Odhadhe Ethiadhar = Those who worship without reciting petitions). Later, when Saint Sundarar visited Thiru Metrali, he sang Tevaram verses describing Appar's selfless devotion.

Lord Shiva was so pleased by Sundarar's tribute to Appar that He miraculously granted bagfuls of gold coins (Pon) to Sundarar to support his pilgrimage and feeds for devotees. Because Lord Shiva granted boons to Appar and Sundarar even without them asking for material rewards, the deity earned the divine name Odha Ethi Eeswarar ("The Lord who bestows grace without being asked").

Thiru Metrali is enshrined in the 6th Thirumurai by Saint Appar and the 7th Thirumurai by Saint Sundarar.

> Tevaram Verse (Appar - 6th Thirumurai, Decad 22, Verse 1): > "கச்சி மேற்றளி மேவிய காளத்தியை > நச்சி மேற்றளி நாதனை நாடொறும் > வைச்சு மேற்றளி வாழ்த்தும் மனத்தவர் > அச்ச மேற்றளி அல்லல் அறுப்பரே."

Translation: "Those who daily contemplate Lord Metrali Nathar of Kanchipuram with pure love and praise Him in their hearts shall have all fear dispelled and all suffering severed forever."

The temple's history is also recorded in Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam in the chapter describing Saint Thirunavukkarasa Swamigal Puranam.

• Pallava Inscriptions (7th–8th Century CE): Inscriptions dating to Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) and Nandivarman II document the construction of the stone sanctum and donations of gold for burning daily ghee lamps (Nanda Deepam).
• Chola Inscriptions (10th–11th Century CE): Charters from the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I record land grants in Pillaiyarpalayam village for conducting special abhishekams during Pradosham.

• Pallava Architecture: The Garbhagriha structure displays classic Pallava architectural traits, including Gajaprashta (elephant-back shaped) shrine contours and carved sandstone pillars.
• Odha Ethi Hydro-Purity: The temple's sacred tank is fed by ancient underground channels linked to the Vegavathi river basin.

• Odha Ethi Gold Coin Pooja: Special lamp lighting and bilva archana performed on Mondays for devotees seeking financial stability and freedom from debts.
• Pradosham Pooja: Evening holy bathing with milk, curd, honey, and sandalwood paste performed to Lord Metrali Nathar during Pradosham.

• Best Months: October to March (mild, pleasant weather for Kanchipuram temple visits).
• Major Festivals:
• Maha Shivaratri (February–March)
• Margazhi Arudra Darshan (December–January)
• Appar Guru Pooja (Chithirai / April–May)

• Tevaram 6th & 7th Thirumurai by Saints Appar and Sundarar.
• Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (Thirunavukkarasa Swamigal Puranam).
• Pallava Architecture by A.H. Longhurst (ASI Memoir No. 17).