10th May 2019.
Visit to this temple was not planned earlier. After attending a marriage at Idakattur, the plan was changed and I was left with two options of either returning to Chennai on the same day or to visit Thiruvathavur Shiva Temple which was long pending. The place Thiruvathavur is at the starting point of Upparu river. Even-though the temple will be opened in the evening, decided to wait and do the Dharshan of Sri Thirumurainathar. Reached Thiruvathavur around 13.30 hrs, 2 hours before opening the temple.
Thiruvathavur is one of the Thevara Vaipu sthalam. This is also a birth place of Kabilar, who was praised by Sundarar in his Thevaram as Poiadimai Illatha Pulavar. On the way had seen Sri Manikavasakars’ temple, where he was born. It was the second day of Vaikasi thiruvizha and the Urchavar was kept in front of the temple, when I landed. It was told that Urchavar will return to the temple on the 10th day after Thirukalyanam and Chariot procession.
Iraivan : Sri Thirumarainathar
Iraivi : Sri Vethanayaki
Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank / Bairava Theertham is in front of Rajagopuram. Adhikara Nandhi with his consort is in the rajagopuram niche. A 12 pillared mandapa is on the right side immediately after the Rajagopuram. It is believed that Lord Shiva danced in this mandapa and the sound was heard. There is second level mini rajagopuram. The ( Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are in the mukamandapam. Siddhi Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar are in the muka mandapm.
The sanctum sanctorum consists of a Sanctum, antarala, arthamandapam and a mukamandapam. In the sanctum moolavar is swayambu and foot print of the cow can be seen on the top, to signify that a Cow worshiped Lord Shiva. Urchavars, Dwarabalakas, Palipedam, Nandhi, Palliyarai and Saraswathy are in arthamandapa. In koshtam Dhakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai. The adhistanam is the combination of Kabotham and padmam. The kumudam is of Salangai.
In the prakaram sannadhi for Moolai Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Naalvar, Manikkavasakar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Bhairavar( without dog and soolam), Navagrahas, Natarajar, Shiva linga, Chandran and Suryan. Ambal is in a temple like sannadhi with Sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam.
LEGEND:
As per the legend, during the war between Devas and Asuras, Vishnu gave asylum to Devas and Bhrigu muni gave asylum to Aruras. When Vishnu asked to handover asuras Bhrigu muni refused. So Vishnu chopped the head of Bhrigu muni’s wife. Bhrigu Muni cursed Vishnu to take many births and he should separated from his wife Lakshmi during the births. To get rid of the curse, Vishnu came to this place and found out the Shiva Linga, which was worshiped by a cow by milking, from the pond.
By the grace of Lord Shiva of this temple, Sani Bhagavan got cured from Rheumatism / arthritis, due to curse of Mandavya Muni, Bhairavar got back his vahana Dog ( The Bairavar will be without Dog and Soolam ), Agni got back his power due to Bhirugu Muni’s curse, Thirumal was made to realize that Shiva himself is the Vedha.
This temple is a prarthanai sthalam for Rheumatism / arthritis. To get cured, who are affected used to come to this temple and do abhishekam to Shiva with Oil. The abhisheka oil has to be taken back to home and applied on the affected leg and hands, and the same will be cured.
People pray Lord Shiva for Child boon, marriage, debt, and flourish in business, especially in Iron business, etc. People also pray Bhairavar to get rid of pilli sunyam, eval / black magic.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS.
The temple existed before 7th Century, built by the early Pandyas, since whose period the temple was built is not known and also one of the Thevara vaipu sthalam. Manikkavasakar worked as a Chief Minister under Varakuna Pandyan-II ( 862 – 885 AD ) also called as “Thennavan Brahma Rayan“. The 100 pillar mandapa was constructed during Manaikkavasakar’s period, with beautiful pillars and kodungai.
A fragment stone with incomplete inscription refers Lord Shiva as Thirumarainathar and land gifted to the temple. Only 16th to 17th century partial inscriptions are found in the front mandapa in unreadable condition. The temple has the Vijayanagara Nayaks contributions. The temple was renovated completely during the years 1999, 2014 and the fate of old inscriptions are not known.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 to 11.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 19.00 hrs.
HOW TO REACH:
The town bus 66 from Mattuthavani bus terminus ( MGR bus terminus ) to Thiruvathavur.
Thiruvathavur is about 9.5 KM from Melur, 20 KM from Mattuthavani Bus Stand ( MGR Bus Terminus ) Madurai.
Nearest railway station is Madurai about 25 KM.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
Urchavars during Vaikasi 10 day annual celebration
Manikkavasagar Urchavar
Shiva Danced in this 12 pillar mandapa
Adhikara Nandhi with his consort
Manikkavasagar Sannadhi
a beautiful mandapa
THE MANIKKAVASAGAR’S BIRTH PLACE TEMPLE
This temple is about 500 meters from Sri Thirumarainathar Temple, facing east. This has entrance from east and west with arches. Stucco images of Manikkavasagar getting upadhesam from Lord Shiva as a guru is on the back side arch and Nalvar ie Thiruganasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manikavasakar are in the front arch. The temple was built with sanctum and a open muka mandapa. In the sanctum Manikkavasagar is in standing position. A 2 tier Vimana is on the sanctum. The stucco images of Nalvar and Munis standing & sitting postures are on the Vimana.
LOCATION:
Lord Shiva as Guru, Manikkavasagar getting upadhesam
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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