Mahimalai Chandramouleswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Mahimalai Chandramouleswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Mahimalai village,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu – 614401.

Moolavar

Chandramouleswarar

Amman

Annapoorani

Introduction

• Location: Mahimalai Village, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Presiding Deity: Chandramouleswarar (Lord Shiva).
• Goddess: Annapoorani (Mother).
• The temple is located at Mahimalai, the highest point in the region, symbolizing a connection to the moon in the palm of one’s hand. Visiting this temple is considered like directly visiting Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of Darkness and Light:
  • Ambika (Parvati) playfully covered Lord Shiva’s eyes, causing the world to fall into darkness. When she removed her hands, the world returned to normal.
  • However, feeling responsible for the darkness, Ambika decided to worship Lord Shiva on Earth as Annapoorani (the one who feeds the devotees).
  • Agathiya Muni, a sage, was meditating near a hill (which is the Mahimalai). Ambika approached him for a solution, and Agathiya revealed that only if a Swayambu Lingam with a bright crescent appeared near him, the universe would never again experience darkness.
  • The Swayambu Lingam appeared, and the people, led by Agathiya, began to worship it. A temple was later built at this sacred location.

Beliefs:

• Third Crescent Darshan:
  • The Third Crescent is a significant feature of the temple, believed to have powerful benefits.
  • Viewing the third crescent removes past sins and brings numerous benefits:
    • Increases mangalya shakti (auspicious power) for women.
    • Strengthens the devotee’s power and confidence.
    • Clears confusion and improves vision.
    • Accumulation of wealth and removal of doshas like Brahmahatti.
    • It is believed that if the third crescent is seen on Saturdays, devotees receive the benefits of worshiping the moon throughout the year.
    • Worshiping Chandramouleswarar removes all evils caused by the moon.

Special Features:

• Temple Structure:
  • The front hall houses a sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvati in Kailaya.
  • Lord Nandi is seated in the Mahamandapam.
  • The Artha Mandapam contains the Swayambu Murthy of Lord Shiva.
  • Ganesha and Murugan shrines are located outside the Artha Mandapam.
  • Annapoorani is seated towards the south in the Mahamandapam.
  • Other deities in the Goshta include Dakshinamurthy, Goddess Durga, and Chandikeswarar.
  • Shrines for Valli Deivanai and Subramanya, Mahalakshmi, Navagraha, Bhairava, Chandran, and Surya are present in the prakaram (temple courtyard).
  • A sculpture of Sudhai in the shape of the third crescent is installed in the temple.
• The temple is believed to be 1500 years old.

Festivals:

• All Shiva-related festivals, especially Maha Shivarathri, are celebrated here with great enthusiasm and fanfare.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/06/chandramouleeswarar-temple-thazhamangai-thanjavur.html

Century/Period

1500 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mahimalai

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur 

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple