Achudamangalam Sri Somanatheswarar Temple- Thiruvarur

Address

Achudamangalam Sri Somanatheswarar Temple- Achudamangalam, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu 610105

Diety

Sri Somanatheswarar Amman: Sri Mangalanayaki.

Introduction

The Someswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Achuthamangalam Village in the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is rich in history and cultural significance.

Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Sri Somanatheswarar. The mother goddess is known as Sri Mangalanayaki.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been built 1,500 years ago by the Chola king Achutha Cholan. It was named Achuthamangalam in honor of the king.
Architecture: The temple faces east and features a four-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower). It has four prakaras (enclosures) and is adorned with numerous Chola inscriptions in Tamil.
Inscriptions: The temple walls are adorned with Chola inscriptions, which provide historical and cultural insights into the region.
Thiru Sekkizhar: The famous Nayanmar Thiru Sekkizhar has sung about this temple, particularly the Kalyana Sundareswarar Shrine, making it a significant pilgrimage site and a Thirumana Parikara Sthalam (temple associated with marriages).
Underground Tunnel: Legend has it that there is an underground tunnel near the main deity that connects all the way to Thamarai Kulam, which is approximately 500 meters away from the temple.
Architectural Features: The temple comprises an Arthamandapam, Mugamandapam, Mahamandapam, and a Sanctum with a beautiful Vimana. The main deity, Someswarar, is in the form of a Linga. The mother goddess is housed in a separate shrine and is depicted in a standing form with four hands.
Koshta Idols: The temple features various koshta idols, including Nardana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Bikshadana, Gangala Nathar, and Arthanareeswarar.
Sculptures: Notable sculptures of Kulothunga III and Sekkizhar can be found in the mandapam in the eastern prakaram.
Local Name: The temple is referred to as “Panaiyur Naatu Sivapatha Sekaramangalamana Achuthamangaluthu Somanathadevar Thirukoyil.”
Festivals: The temple celebrates all Shiva-related festivals, with a special focus on Masi Magam and Mahashivrathri, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees.

The Someswarar Temple is not only an important religious site but also a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of the Chola period in the region. It continues to be a place of reverence and worship for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.