Valivalam Sri Manathunai Nathar Temple , Nagapattinam

Address

Valivalam Sri Manathunai Nathar Temple,Valivalam, Tirukuvalai Taluk, Nagapattinam district -610 207, Phone Numbers: +91- 4366 – 205 636

Deity

Manathunai Nathar (Hrudaya Kamala Nathar Amman: : Maazhai Onkanni (Madhyayadhakshi)

Introduction

Manathunai Nathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Valivalam Village in Thirukuvalai Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Manathunai Nathar / Idhaya Kamala Nadhar and Mother is called as Valaiyanganni / Angayarkanni / Madhyayadakshi . This temple is considred as one of the shrines of the 276 Padal Petra sthalams. Where the Moovar (Thirugnana Sambanthar Appar and Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams. Lord Murugan of this Temple is praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his revered Thirupugazh hymns. This Temple is considered as one of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola Emperor. Thala Virutcham : Punnai Theertham : Chakkara theertham

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built in the 3rd century CE.
Considered one of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola emperor.
Reconstructed in granite by the Later Cholas in the 12th century CE and extensively renovated by Nayak Kings.
Inscriptions in the temple belong to:
- Kulothunga Chola II
- Rajaraja Chola III
- Rajendra Chola III
- Sundara Pandya
The place was historically called “Arulmozhi Deva Valanattu Valivala Kootrathu Upayakula Chaturvedi Mangalam”, as per temple inscriptions.

Legend of the Sparrow (Karikuruvi) & Lord Shiva’s Blessing

A man, despite being known for his good character, committed sins and was reborn as a Karikuruvi (black sparrow).
The small bird suffered harassment from bigger birds and was severely wounded in one such attack.
It took shelter in the hole of a tree under which a Shivayogi was teaching his disciples.
The yogi explained to his disciples:
- “Of all Shiva Sthalas, Madurai is the greatest.”
- “Of all sacred springs, the Pottramarai tank in Madurai is the holiest.”
- “Of all Shiva Murtis, Chokkanatha (Somasundara) is supreme and merciful.”
The sparrow listened carefully, gained wisdom, and understood the reason for its birth.
Inspired by the yogi’s teachings, it flew to Madurai, circumambulated the temple, and bathed in the Pottramarai tank.
It prayed to Lord Somasundara continuously for three days.
Pleased with its devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and taught the bird the Mrutyunjaya Mantra.
The sparrow, now enlightened, requested Shiva’s protection from bigger birds and strength to defend itself.
Lord Shiva granted the boon, making the sparrow stronger than all bigger birds.
The sparrow also begged for this boon to be extended to all sparrows, and Shiva granted the request.
The sparrow was named “Valian” (Strong One), and from this event, the place came to be known as Valivalam.
A single feather of this sparrow came to this temple, worshipped Manathunai Nathar, and attained salvation.

Beliefs

Those suffering from cardiac problems, confused mind, mentally weak pray in the temple for solutions. Devotees perform Rudrabishekam to Lord on realizing their wishes.

Special Features

Valivalam Valampuri Vinayaka, blessing the devotees coming to the temple is praised in the Thevarm hymn of Saint Sambandar. The hymn begins with the line “Pidi athan uruvumai kolamigu kariathu”. As a rule, chanting Thevaram hymns in any Shiva temple should begin with this song only. The glory of Lord Valivalam Valampuri Vinayaka is great. This is one of the Mada type temples built by Kochengat Cholan. Lord Muruga in the temple is praised by saint Arunagiriar in his Tirupugazh hymns.

Festivals

Margazhi Tiruvadirai in December-January; Masi Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.