Veeramangudi Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Veeramangudi Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple,

Veeramangudi,

Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district,

Tamilnadu –613 204

Phone: +91 94435 86453

The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Moolavar

Vajrakandeswarar

Amman

Mangalambikai

Introduction

• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Vajrakandeswarar) and Mother Mangalambikai.
• Location: Veeramangudi village, Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historical Significance: The temple is over 500 years old.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Vajran: A demon named Vajran, who misused a boon making him invincible to powerful beings, was defeated by a devotee sent by Lord Shiva.
• Transformation: The demon, after realizing his arrogance, sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva, who pardoned him and remained here.
• Name Origin: Lord Shiva is called Vajrakandeswarar after the demon, and the place is named Veeramangudi (Veeram means heroism).

Special Features

• Navagraha Shrine: The nine planets are installed on a hexagonal peeta with their respective vahanas (vehicles) and consorts, believed to make the planets merciful.
• Unique Sculptures:
  • Sculptures depict the “Mango Story” involving Lord Muruga’s anger, Mother Parvati calming him, and Maharshi Narada, the instigator of the event.
  • Lord Varadaraja graces devotees with protection (Abhayahastha) in the prakara.
• Worship Traditions:
  • Mother Mangalambikai is worshipped by newlyweds for a happy married life and by others for longevity and auspiciousness.
  • Devotees perform remedial worship on planetary transit days with offerings of vastras (clothes) and grains.
• Sun God Depiction: Sun is depicted on a chariot pulled by seven horses in the Navagraha shrine.

Belief

• Devotees pray for relief from adverse planetary effects and offer vastras and grains to Lord Shiva and Mother.

Festivals

• Shivaratri: February-March.
• Aipasi Annabishekam: October-November.
• Tirukarthikai: November-December.

References:

https://temple.dinamalar.com/new.php?id=1166

Century/Period

500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Veeramangudi

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple