Thirumarugal Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Deity: Manikkavannar/ Rathnagiriswarar Amman: Vanduvar kuzhali
Temple Address: Thirumarugal Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal, Tiruvalaputhur, Nagapattinam district-609 205 PH:04366-270073
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirumarugal.
One of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams where two revered Nayanars have sung hymns.
The name Thirumarugal comes from the Marugal plantain (a type of banana tree) found inside the northern side of the temple.
The temple features:
- A 5-tier Rajagopuram.
- A large temple campus with an elevated sanctum.
- A temple tank in front of the temple.
Rathinagiri is about 13 km from Vellore on the way to Chennai.
Famous for its Murugan temple on a hillock, with 130 steps leading to the top.
Saint Arunagirinadhar composed Thiruppugazh on this temple.
Originally built in the 14th century, later dilapidated but restored by Sri Swami Balamugan Adimai.
Now features intricate sculptures, large mandapams, and is often called the 7th Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga.
Presiding Deity: Rathnagiriswarar / Maanikkavannar.
Goddess: Vanduvar Kuzhali / Aamodhalanayagi.
One of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola Emperor.

Puranic Significance

Built in the 3rd century CE, later reconstructed in granite by the Later Cholas.
Renovated by Nayak Kings and Maratha rulers.
Inscription of King Serfoji (Thanjavur) from 1882 CE records a grant of 400 sovereigns to the temple.
Legend of Sambandar and the Snake Bite Miracle:
- Sambandar, a Shaivite saint, visited the temple and saw a young woman crying.
- He found a young man dead due to a snake bite.
- The couple had planned to marry in the temple against their parents’ wishes.
- Sambandar composed a Pathigam (hymn) to Lord Shiva, praying for the young man’s life.
- Miraculously, the young man came back to life.
- The couple married in the temple with Lord Shiva as their witness.

Special Features

143rd shrine out of the 276 Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams.
80th shrine on the south bank of the Cauvery River.
Snake Protection: Worshippers believe snakes do not harm those who visit the temple.
Healing Benefits:
- People suffering from insect bites, venomous stings, or chronic fever pray here.
- Worshipping Lord Ganesha is believed to cure physical ailments.
Wealth & Debt Relief:
- Taking a dip in Lakshmi Tirtha on Varalakshmi Vratam day and visiting Maanikkavannar the next day helps in clearing debts and gaining wealth.
Marriage & Family Blessings:
- Separated couples reunite after bathing in Lakshmi Theertham.
- Worshippers pray for marriage, children, employment, and career success.
- Gayatri Sagasramam (1008 Mantras) is chanted by marriage seekers.
Offerings & Rituals:
- Ambal sari making, anointing, and sandalwood preparation are major rituals.
- Swami can be adorned with robes and anointed with:
  - Mango, turmeric, sandalwood, rose water, panchamirtham, honey, milk, yogurt, lemon, etc.
- Devotees can also make offerings and distribute prasadam.

Festivals

Chithirai Month (April-May)
- Chithirai Paruva Utsavam (10-day festival).
- Brahmotsavam – Procession twice a day (morning & evening).
- Chettipen Kalyanam (7th day special ritual).
- Tenth-day Theerthavari (holy water immersion ceremony).
Avani Month (August-September)
- Varalakshmi Vratam – Goddess Varalakshmi and Varadaraja Perumal appear on Kamala Vahanam.
- Theertham given in Lakshmi Theertham.
Other Festivals:
- Kanda Sashti.
- Visakam.
- Anithirumanjanam.
Special Monthly Worship:
- Pradosham days attract large crowds.
- Deepavali, Pongal, and Tamil New Year feature special abhishekams.
- English New Year celebrations include grand poojas and anointing ceremonies.