Wednesday 30 June 2021

Anantha Sayana Perumal Temple / Vasudevar Temple / Rajakesari Vinnagara Emperuman Vishnu Temple, கொற்றமங்கலம் / Kotramangalam / Edangimangalam, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

பச்சை மா மலை போல் மேனி பவள வாய் கமலச் செங்கண்
        அச்சுதா அமரர் ஏறே ஆயர் தம் கொழுந்தே என்னும்
இச்சுவை தவிர யான் போய் இந்திர லோகம் ஆளும்
        அச்சுவை பெறினும் வேண்டேன் அரங்க மா நகர் உளானே.
ஊரிலேன் காணியில்லை உறவு மற்றொருவர் இல்லை
        பாரில் நின் பாதமூலம் பற்றிலேன் பரமமூர்த்தி
காரொளி வண்ணனே கண்ணனே கதறுகின்றேன்
        ஆருளர் களைகண் அம்மா அரங்கமாநகருளானே
... தொண்டரடிபொடியாழ்வார்
The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20th & 21st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular.


This Village about 20 Km from the famous Vishnu temple of Srirangam has a Vishnu Temple, Shiva temple and an Ayyanar Temple with Village deities. Usually the Perumal temple will be in the middle of the Village and Shiva temple will be in the north west corner of the Village. But at present the human habitation is  found around the Shiva temple and Perumal temple is isolated from the Village. The sad part of the Vishnu temple, is nobody takes care of it either by the Govt or by the Villagers.
Moolavar : Sri Anantha Sayana Perumal, Sri Vasudevar

Some of the salient features of this temple are....
Moolavar Vasudevan is in sayana posture kept little away from the temple. Perumal is wearing ornaments, makara kundala  and Yagnopaveetha. One of the upper hand is holding conch and right hand is not seen, may be damaged and might be holding Chakra. Front right hand keeps under the head and left hand is in ooru hastham. Adhiseshan is not shown under Moolavar.


ARCHITECTURE
This temple is in dilapidated condition and couldn’t asses the complete construction. With the remains of the structure, the temple was constructed with Sanctum sanctorum, antarala and artha mandapam and a 4 pillar mandapam may be for Periya Thiruvadi Garudalwar. The temple was constructed on a simple padabandha adhisthana with three patta Kumuda. The temple consists of a round / Vesara vimana above the adhisthana constructed with brick. The inside of the Vimana is of octognal in shape. The mandapa was completely fallen down. The mandapa pillars are of vrutha beautifully sculptured, with regular features of malai thongal, Thamaraikattu, Kalasa, Kumbam,  Pali palakai and Tharanga Pothyal. Kodikarukku is also beautifully shown on the kumbha. The Pilasters are of Vishnu kantha pilasters.  A 4 Pillar mandapa is standing still  in front of the dilapidated temple and waiting for its turn to fell..



HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This temple is believed to be built during Chozha period. The inscription recorded from this temple belongs to Rajakesari Varman, Koparakesaribanmar, Rajaraja-I and Vikrama Chozha. As per the inscriptions, this Place was called as Mazanattu Kalarkootrathu keezh Kootru Brahmadeyam Keeramangalachery ( During Parakesari Varman ), Rajasriya Valanattu Kalarkootrathu Brahmadeyam Keeramangalacheri ( Rajaraja-I period ).  Maha Vishnu of this Temple was called as “Rajakesari Vinnakarathu Emperuman”.

Rajakesari’s 7th reign year inscription records the periphery limits of the land gifted to this temple.

Parakesarivarman’s 11th reign year inscription records the endowment of naivedyam of palponagam 3 mida ( 3 pots of naivedyam made out of milk ) with Thirumanjanam / sacred bath on Margazhi Ekadasi and Dwadasi days by Perusangur Brahmathirajan alias Achiyan Bhattan Chakrabani Sri Vasudevan. For the same a land was gifted and the periphery limits are also recorded.

The same king’s 11th reign year inscription and the same person gave some gift. Since the inscription was damaged couldn’t get all the details.
Rajarajan-I’s period inscription records that a servant Avanamudayan Marthandan established an endowment of Thiruvizha / celebration on Rajaraja-I’s birth star day ( Sathaya nakshatra day ). For the same a land was gifted and periphery limits are also recorded.

Vikrama Chozha’s 16th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Veera Chozhamooventha Velalar.
  



LEGENDS
There might have some legend during worship and nobody knows now. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
The temple is in dilapidated condition and no poojas and celebrations are performed.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple is open to sky can peep any time. 
CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH
The temple is 6 KM from Lalgudi, 25 KM from Main Guard Gate, 33 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 46 KM from Thanjavur, 69 KM from Kumbakonam and 321 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Lalgudi and Railway Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE (10.8908393,78.858629 )








Sri Brahmesvara Udaiya Nayanar Temple.
The Shiva Linga is under worship inside a shed. The temple is under dismantled condition. The Stones are numbered during dismantling and are strewn around the site. The old sculptures idols are also found damaged. The temple is waiting for the reconstruction.






Ayyanar Temple.
Ayyanar is believed to be the Village Guarding deity and Poojas are done by non Brahmins, may be by a person from Potter community. One such Ayyanar sculpture with inscription found in Kongu region records that the Ayyanar was made by a potter. It is believed that the worship of Ayyanar was started from the Hero stones since 3rd to 4th Century. Usually Ayyanar will be with his consorts Poonai and Pauskalai. Ayyanar without his consorts is also available in large numbers in Tamil Nadu region.  

This Ayyanar is kept in a small sanctum facing north along with a Village deity temple. The local people calls Ayyanar as Sastha. In the sanctum Ayyanar is in uthkudi asana. He is with Jadamudi and wearing Mala and Yagnopaveetha, anklets in the legs. His vahana elephant is shown on the front side of the pedestal.

Location of the Temple : CLICK HERE 


--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Monday 28 June 2021

Sri Mangalyeswarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ மாங்கல்யேஸ்வரர் கோயில், Edayathumangalam / இடையாற்றுமங்கலம், Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20th & 21st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular. This place was once in the middle of two rivers / an island ie Kaveri and Kollidam.  Hence this place was called as Edayathumangalam.


Moolavar  : Sri Mangaleeswarar, Mangalyeswarar
Consort    : Sri Mangalambigai  

Some of the salient features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. The stucco images of Lord Shiva, Mangalya maharishi worshiping Lord Shiva, Vinayagar, and Murugan are on the top. Stucco Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of artha mandapam from Mukha mandapam. Mangalya maharishi is in the Mukha mandapam. Balipeedam and a Big Rishabam are in the Mukha mandapam. In Koshtam Pichadanar, Arthanareeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Sankara Narayanan, Brahma and Durga.

In prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Bhairavar and Natarajar Sabha. Ambal is in a separate sannidhi in the artha mandapam facing south. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya and varada hastam.


ARCHITECTURE
The Sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, artha mandapam and a open Mukha mandapam. The Adhisthana is of kapothabandha adhisthana.  The sanctum sanctorum, from adhisthana to prataram was built with stone. The prastaram consists of Valabi, Kapotham and Yazhivari in the Bhoomi desam. Bhuta Ganas are in the Valabi. The Kapotha has the Nasi koodu. Between karnapathi and Salai pathi  Sanganidhi Relief is shown. The Vishnukantha Pilasters with Malaithongal, thamaraikattu, kalasam, Thadi, Kumbam, pali, Palakai, Kandam and Tharanga Pothyal are supporting the walls of the sanctum sanctorum.

An Ekathala Vesara Vimana is on the sanctum Sanctorum. Thala Rishabas are on the Bhoomi Desam. In griva Koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma. In Sikaram Maha Nasis are in the cardinal directions and alpa nasis are shown in between the mahanasis. Kannadi sattam, Maha padmam and kalasam are on the sikaram.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the inscriptions this place was called as Idaiyatru Nadu, Idaiyatru mangalam. The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Thellareintha Thandhivarman and Varaguna Pandian-II. Most of the inscriptions were lost during renovations and painting. The inscriptions records the endowment of Pooja, Naivedyam, maintenance etc. For the same many gifts which includes Gold, Lands etc, were gifted to this temple.

Rajaraja Brahmarayar purchased lands from the Villagers and gifted to this temple as irayili. The inscription also records the periphery limits of the land purchased.

Natarajar sannidhi was constructed during 2010, by Ayyasami Sasthiri. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 08th March 1990 and 1st June 2006.

LEGENDS
The Mangalaya Maharishi was the acharya of conducting the marriage to Sage Agasthya, Sage Vasishta and Bhairava. He was born on Uthiram Nakshatra day. He worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple and attained Mukti. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Mangalyeswarar. It is believed that marriage obstacles will be removed if prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple. He is guru of the angles of Devaloka. It is believed Uthiram Nakshatra day all the angles will visit and Pray Sri Mangalyeswarar and Maharishi for long and happy married life.

Since Mangalya Maharishi was born of Uthiram Nakshatra day, so the people born on the Nakshatra day visits this temple and offers prayers to Mangalya Maharishi and Lord Shiva Mangalyeswarar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, Lord Shiva’s celestial wedding will be conducted on Panguni Uthiram nakshatra day.  Special poojas are conducted Uthiram Nakshatra day, Panguni Uthiram, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri and other important functions.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The Land line number +91 431 254 4070 and mobile number +91 98439 51363 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
Town bus and Autos are available from Lalgudi.
The temple at Edayathumangalam is about 4 KM from Lalgudi, 20 KM from Main Guard Gate, 26 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 50.3 KM from Thanjavur and 321 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Lalgudi and Railway Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE



Pichadanar & Rishabandhikar
Mangalya Maharishi
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Saturday 26 June 2021

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple / மீனாட்சி சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் கோயில், நன்னிமங்கலம், Nannimangalam, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20th & 21st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular.


This place is on the banks of River Kollidam and during Chozha period this place was called as “Parantakapuram” and now called as Sennivaikal, Nannimangalam.

Moolavar  : Sri Sundareswarar
Consort    : Sri Meenakshi  

Some of the salient features of this temple are....
The temple is facing West with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Kubera doing Pooja to Lord Shiva is on the arch. Moolavar is little a level below the artha mandapam / Antarala. Moolavar is in dark green colour, about 5 feet tall. Rishabam and Balipeedam are in the mukha mandapam. In Koshtam, Dakshinamurthy and Vishnu Durgai.

In prakaram Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, 2 Chandikeswara ( one Chandikeswarr is sitting Kadakasana and other is in Arthapadmasanam ), Bhairavar ( Bhairavar is holding kapala, Thirisoolam, Damaru amd Pasam ) and Navagrahas ( all the 8 grahas are facing Suriyan ).  Ambal is in the artha mandapam facing south. Ambal Meenakshi is in standing posture and wearing a metti in her leg finger.

In Lakshmi Narayana temple, Lakshmi is on the left laps of Narayanar and Narayanar is in sitting Posture. Varadharaja Perumal  with Sridevi and Bhudevi is on the left side of the Lakshmi Narayanar sannidhi.   

ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum, Sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a simple Padabandha adhisthana, built with stone from Adhisthanam to prastaram. An Ekatha Vesara Vimana is on the prastaram. In griva koshtam Lord Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma. Both Brahma and Maha Vishnu are with their consorts. Maha Nasis are on the vimana Sikaram and alpa nasis are in between the Maha nasis. Ambal shrine Vimana is of Dravida Style.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
There is a Hero stone installed in the ardha mandapa, which belongs to Pallava King Nandhi Potharaiyan period. Hence it is presumed that this temple might be exiting  since 9th Century. This Hero stone was found Chenni Vaikal, very close to this place. The inscription of the Hero stone refers this place as Parantakapuram and a temple name as Arinjigai Eswaram. It is believed that the temple mentioned only this temple.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple are incomplete, so could not get the full details. Most of the inscriptions records the endowment of naivedyam like Thayiramuthu, Neyyamuthu, Kariyamuthu, Appamuthu, Adaikaiamuthu, Burning of sandhi & Perpetual lamps, for the same a lands are gifted to this temple.  One of the Land donation inscription mentions as Melai land 6 ma, Koothan sei 2 ma, Kusavan / Potter kuzhi 2 ma,  madaivlakam land 7 ma, Appathal sei 3 ma, Koothar sei land 2 ma, Udayar Koil Nerkadaya land 1 ma, gifted to this temple.

The inscription in the mandapa lintel believed to be belongs to Rajaraja Chozha. The inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamp, Naivedyam, playing Padakam lather Instrument. For the same lands are gifted. The player was gifted with paddy Kuruni Nanazhi per day, mathalam player was given with 6 nazhi paddy.

During Hoysalas rule irrigation facility with Mathaku / regulator was created on the canals to feed water to the fields.

The Pallava King who conquered in Thellaru war ( 811 CE ), Nandhi Potharayar’s period inscription at Lalgudi Temple records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp at that temple for which gold coins were given to this Nannimangalam Sabhai.

LEGENDS
As per the sthala purana, the three leaves Vilvacharam could not find even in Devaloka. If the Vilvasaram is placed on a Swayambhu Linga and chant Namasivaya mantra, the Vilvacharam will turn in to gold and grow multifold with wealth. This Vilvasaram will be visible only to those with divine sakthi / power. Lord Shiva gave this Vilvacharam to Kubera. So Kubera asked his sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban to go to the Bhooloka and find out the sacredness of this Vilvacharam and in which temple it will grow in multifold. When they were holding, it was visible to them. They came to this Bhooloka and worshiped Shiva of many temples. The Vilvacharam doesn’t grow and in some places disappeared too. They came to Thiruvannamali and worshiped Lord Annamalaiyar keeping the Vilvacharam on the feet. They prayed Annamalaiyar to guide them to the Shiva Temple where this Vilvasaram will grow multifold. Lord Shiva guided them to go to south to this temple at Chennivaikal where Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar and Ambal as Meenakshi on the banks of River Kaveri.

தென்திசைக் காவேரி இயல்சீர் சேர்
சென்னி சிவக்கயல் சுந்தரம் பார்..

Happy with the guidance Sri Annamalaiyar, Kubera’s sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban went to Thiruthavathurai Sri Saptharishiswarar Temple at Lalgudi with the Vilvasaram. Both took bath in the Sivaganga and found that their Swarna Vilvacharam had disappeared. Worried brothers went inside the temple and found that their Vilasaram multiplied many fold, when they chant the Namasivaya mantra and they were happy. Finally they came to this temple and placed the Vilvacharam on the Shiva Linga and chanted the Namasivaya mantra. To their surprise, the Vilvacharam grew in multifold and turned to gold.

Knowing this sacredness of this temple, Kubera also came to this Temple and worshiped Lord Shiva.

So the Shiva Devotees after completing the circumambulation of Thiruvannamalai Hills on pournami days ( full moon day ), came to this temple and worships Lord Shiva. They do Adiprakthachanam of the sthala Vruksha Vilva Tree. It is believed that by doing so the wealth earned through hard labour and good & genuine way will grow multifold through Maha Lakshmi.

In continuation to the legend, Sri Annamalaiyar guided Kubera’s sons to this temple in Chenni Valanadu. Since Lord Brahma with 5 head ( Senni – head. The five heads are Sathyojatham, Vamadevam, Agoram, Thatpurusam and Eesanam ) came to this temple, worshiped Lord Shiva and attained Moksha. Hence Lord Shiva is called as “Chenni Sivam”.

The athipathi of all crore Naga Loka Sri Astheeka Siddhar Yoga Sugana, during his Yathra used to come to this temple. The presence of Kubera Chandra Nagas / Snakes is more in this place. There is an anthill in a coconut farm near the temple. Devotees used to do pooja on pournami days.      

It is believed that Suriyan worships Lord Shiva dainy before sun set. This happens First three weeks of Panguni month sun rays falls on moolavar during sunset. During that time Lord Shiva, Dark colour Shiva Linga glitters like jewel.   

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from Regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Ekadasi, Pradosham, Adi & Thai month Fridays, Vaikunta ekadasi, Maha Shivaratri, Saptha sthala Peruvizha and Pournami Abhishekam.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number of Ganesa Gurukkal +91 97861 89093, Trustee +91 94865 97484 and office Land line number +91 431 2541329 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
Town bus and Autos are available from Lalgudi.
The temple at Nannimangalam is about 3.5 KM from Lalgudi, 26 KM from Main Guard Gate, 30 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 46 KM from Thanjavur and 320 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Lalgudi and Railway Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE











Hero Stone - details will be posted separately
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Wednesday 23 June 2021

Sri Samavedeeswarar Temple / Sri Samavedhishwarar Temple / அருள்மிகு சாமவேதீஸ்வரர் கோவில், திருமங்கலம், Thirumangalam, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20th & 21st March 2021. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular.


It is believed that this is also one of the Thevara Vaippu sthalam of Chozha nadu, but enough evidences are not available. As per Sekkizhar, Thirugnanasambandar went to Thirupachilachiramam after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirumanthurai. On the way he had darshan of many temples. Some Historians claims that, Thirugnanasambandar visited this place also since Thiruvathurai ( Lalgudi ), Poovalur and Thirumangalam are in between the two temples.  

அங்கண் அகன்றுஅம்மருங்கில் அங்கணர்தம்  பதிபிறவும் அணைந்து போற்றி,
செங்கமலப் பொதி அவிழச் சேல்பாயும்  வயல் மதுவால் சேறு மாறா,
பொங்கு ஒலிநீர் மழநாட்டுப் பொன்னிவட கரைமிசைப் போய்புகலி வேந்தர்
நங்கள் பிரான் திருப்பாச்சில் ஆச்சிரா மம் பணிய நண்ணும் போதில்.

பொழிப்புரை : அவ்விடத்தினின்றும் நீங்கி அருகில் உள்ள சிவபெருமானின் பிற திருப்பதிகளையும் வணங்கிசெந்தாமரை மலர்களின் மொட்டு அவிழசேல்மீன் பாயதேன் பொழிவதால் சேறு உலராத வயல்களையுடையபொங்கும் ஒலிமிக்க நீரையுடைய மழநாட்டில்காவிரியின் வடகரை வழியாகச் சென்ற சீகாழித் தலைவர்நம் இறைவரின் திருப்பாச்சிலாச்சிராமத்தைத் தொழுவதற்குச் சேரும் பொழுதில்,
பாச்சில் - ஊரின் பெயர்ஆச்சிராமம் - கோயிலின் பெயர். `பதி பிறவும்என்பன திருத்தவத்துறைபூவாளுர்திருமங்கலம் முதலியன வாகலாம் என்பர் சிவக்கவிமணியார்பதிகங்கள் கிடைத்தில

Moolavar  : Sri Samavedeeswarar
Consort    : Sri Lokanayagi  

Some of the salient features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Kambathadi Vinayagar, balipeedam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram under a mandapam. Moolavar is of Swayambhu, who appeared under a Kondrai tree. In koshtam Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Uthanga Munivar, Sankara Narayanar ( Upper right hand holds mazhu and left hand holds Conch. Peyalwar describes Sankara narayanar as “தாழ்சடையும் நீள்முடியும் ஒன்மழுவும், சக்கரமும் சூழரவும் பொன்நாணும் தோன்றுமால் சூழும் திரண்டருவி பாயும் திருமலை மேல் எந்தைக்கு இரண்டுருவும் ஒன்றாய் இசைந்து), Brahma ( holding akka mala and kundigai ) and Durgai ( as shantha roopi wearing kandigai, sarapalli, savadi, conch, chakra, in standing posture ).

In prakaram Parasuramar worshiped Shiva Linga, Maha Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Kalyana Subramaniar ( Valli is sitting on Peacock ), Arumuga with 4 hands, Gajalakshmi, The Shiva Linga who gave Mukthi to Anaya Nayanar, Appar, Thirugnanasambandar, Aanayar, Chandikeswarar, Bana Linga, Ambal who gave Mukthi to Anaya nayanar, Natarajar, Kala Bhairava, Suriyan, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi between second level entrance and Rishabam. 

In prakaram Parasuramar worshiped Shiva Linga, Maha Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Kalyana Subramaniar ( Valli is sitting on Peacock ), Arumuga with 4 hands, Gajalakshmi, The Shiva Linga who gave Mukthi to Anaya Nayanar, Appar, Thirugnanasambandar, Aanayar, Chandikeswarar, Bana Linga, Ambal who gave Mukthi to Anaya nayanar, Natarajar, Kala Bhairava, Suriyan, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi between second level entrance and Rishabam. 

ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and mukha mandapam with different elevated levels. This facilitates the darshan of Lord Shiva from the entrance of the temple. The adhisthana is of simple padabandha adhisthana on a upapeedam. The temple was built with stone from Upa peedam to prastaram. The sanctum walls are supported with Brahmakantha and Vishnukantha pilasters with usual features of Kalasam, Thadi, kumbham, pali, palakai, veerakandam and Pothyal. The pothyals are of Tharanga pothigai. Dwarf bhuta ganas are in the valabi. Yazhi vari is on the Bhumidesam.

A dvithala Vimana is on the Sanctum sanctorum. The Sikaram is of Dravida style with mahanasis are on the cardinal directions and alpa nasis in between them. The Griva koshta has the stucco images of Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Lord Shiva with Parvati and Vinayagar.

The Ganda of upa peedam and adhisthana has the miniature sculptures. The sculptures includes, the images from the epic Ramayana, Mahisasuramardini in two panels, Rama & Lakshmana with Anjaneyar, rama and lakshmana with Sita, Two warriors with Keerthi mukha Bhuta, Lingothbavar, Markandeya purana,  Pichadanar, Kannan leelas, Pregnant lady is being helped for delivery, Vali Sugriva Fight, Mourning of Vali’s death, Dancers, Narasimha with Hiranya, Rishabanthigar, etc are worth to watch.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
Since this is one of the Devara vaippu sthalam, this temple might have existed during 6th to 7th Century. May be reconstructed as stone temple during Chozha period. 

The inscription recorded from this temple belongs to Rajendra Chozha-I, Rajathirajan, Veera Rajendran and Kulothunga Chozha. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Sri “Parasurameeswaram udaya Mahadevar.

The temple’s Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 16th June 1959 and 23rd June 1961 with a span of 2 years ( ..?). 

LEGENDS
It is special that a mixture of 5 oil abhishekam will be done for Shiva Linga which gave mukthi to Anaya Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmar. He was born and attained mukti at this place. Jack fruit mixed with honey will be offered to Lord Shiva as naivedyam.

Saneeswaran’s vahana is facing north, hence it is believed that the lost properties will be retrieved if prayed to this Saneeswarar. Devotees prays Durga to get rid of the marriage obstacles. 

It is believed that Thirumagal – Maha Lakshmi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, hence this place obtained the name as Thirumangalam.

It is believed that this place if equivalent to Kasi and Lord Shiva created the Phalguni River.

It is believed that Jaini Munivar, the disciple of Vyasa Maharishi, split Samaveda in to 1000 and prayed Lord Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva obtained the name of “Samavedeeswarar”.

It is believed that Maha Lakshmi, Kuberan, Indran, Siyavana Munivar and Uthanga Maharishi  worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the temple in which Lord Shiva gave back Pathi to Rathi and Parasuramar received Mazhu from Lord Shiva.  It is further believed that Chandikeswarar got relieved from Pithru Hathi dosham for killing his father and Parasuramar got relieved from Matru Hathi dosham for killing his mother after worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular pojas, special poojas are conducted on, Pradosham, Fridays, Mahashivaratri, Thai Pongal, Vinayagar Chathurthi and Karthigai Deepam.
Anaya Nayanar’s Guru pooja will be conducted on Hastha Nakshatra day in the month Karthigai, every year. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
Th mobile numbers of B.Gnanaskanda Gurukkal +91 97100 64571, +91 98654 22027 and land line number +91 431 2541040 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The temple at Thirumangalam is 4 KM from Lalgudi, 19 KM from Main Guard gate, 27 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 90 KM from Karur, 90 KM from Namakkal, 50 KM from Thanjavur, 73 KM from Kumbakonam and 322 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Lalgudi and Junction is Tiruchirappalli.    

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE







Krishna


Rishabanthikar


Hiranyakashipu vatham



mourning of Vali's death

A pregnant lady being helped by the ladies for delivery
Bickshadanar
Kannan
Lingothbavar

Rama & Lakshmana with Hanuman
Rama & Lakshmana with Sita


Pic and Sculpture of Mahishamardini


Nandi Devar with his consort




--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---