Maraikateeswar Temple is located at Tirumaraikadu in
Tiruvarur District. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The principle deity of the temple is known by the name Maraikateesar facing east along with his consort Yazhaipazhitha Mozhiammai. The temple also has shrines for Veerahatti Vinayakar, Uma Maheswara and
Durga. The speciality of the temple is the sculpted Yaalis here. The figures of these mythical creatures have spheres that roll inside their open mouths, carved from the same stone yet so intricately done that these cannot be taken out. Images of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms are also seen here. The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) of this temple is Vanni maram and the three sacred
teerthams are Mani Karnika, Vedha Nadhi and Kodi. Legend has it that saints Appar and Sundarar have opened the door of this temple, which had remained closed till then, with their hymns. Another story tells that
Lord Ram worshipped Lord Shiva here on his return journey to Ayodhya. Visitors can get to the temple by traveling 35 km south-east from Tiruthuraipoondi railway station.
