Paravakkarai Manikeswarar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Paravakkarai Manikeswarar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Paravakkarai, Kudavasal Circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 612201

Moolavar

Manikeswarar

Amman

Marakathavalli.

Introduction

Paravakkarai Manikeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Paravakkarai village, Kudavasal circle, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. The word “Paravakkarai” means “high place”. Manikkavacakar who wrote Thiruvasagam, was worshipped this sthalam Lord. So the lord of this temple is called as Manikeswarar. Here the presiding deity is called as Manikeswarar and Mother is called as Marakathavalli.

Puranic Significance

There were two Shiva temples in this town. Both are said to be loft temples built by Kochchenganan. Now one temple has completely disappeared and is known as Lingathadi Thital. It is said that a Perumal temple was built in this town with these stones of Lingathadi temple. It is said that the present Shiva temple was worshiped by Manikkavacakar and built by Thirumoolar. The temple is said to be more than 1500 years old.

The temple, which had been dilapidated for many years, was renovated a few years ago. However, due to less number of people coming to worship, trees are sprouting again. A special temple with the Lord Shiva is facing west side and the goddess faces south side. Inside, there is a separate sanctum of Lord Ganesha in the southwest corner. Next, in the hall in front of the Lord, Nandi is facing the Lord. Adjacent to it, there is a statue of Thirumoolar in a loft. Next to it is the Murugan shrine facing east side. There is a Sandeswarar sanctum on the right side and a Bhairav sanctum on the north-west. There are no idols except Durga and Tenmugan in the sanctum sanctorum.

“With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.