Mamandur Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Mamandur Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Mamandur (Doosi-Mamandur), Thiruvannamalai District, Tamilnadu- 613702.

Deity

Narayana Perumal Amman: Lakshmi devi

Introduction

• Location: Mamandur Village, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, depicting Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi seated on his left lap.
• Nearby Landmarks: Located near the Palar River, approximately 15 km from Kanchipuram. The nearest railway station is in Kanchipuram, and the nearest airport is in Chennai.
• Village Significance: Also known as Doosi-Mamandur to differentiate from another Mamandur.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • The village was once bustling with activity, particularly in the 7th century A.D. during the Pallava dynasty.
  • Lord Varadharaja Perumal is said to visit the village on Chitra Pournami every year.
  • Mahendravarman I (600-630 A.D.), a notable Pallava ruler, initiated the excavation of cave temples in the area due to its rocky terrain, showcasing the architectural skills of the time.
  • These cave temples are significant as they represent a transition in temple architecture from perishable materials to enduring stone structures.

Special Features

• Temple Structure:
  • The temple is small and faces east, housing the Moolavar (main deity) in the central sanctum.
  • The stone image of Lakshmi Narayana Perumal is medium-sized, depicting Vishnu seated with Lakshmi. He is portrayed as four-armed:
    • Upper hands holding the conch (sankhu) and discus (chakra).
    • Lower right hand in abhaya hasta (gesture of fearlessness) and the lower left hand encircling Lakshmi.
• Processional Image: The processional image is also of four-armed Vishnu, standing with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
• Other Deities:
  • A smaller sanctum in front enshrines Goddess Sundaravalli Thayar.
  • The processional images of Andal, Navanita Krishna, and Chakrattazhwar (Sri Sudarsana) are worshipped in the central shrine.
  • Stone idols of the Azhwars and Acharyas line the passage to the sanctum, and two images of Anjaneya are housed in a small shrine to the left of the main sanctum.

Festivals

• The temple observes a limited number of festivals, governed by the Vaikhanasa Agama:
  • Manavala Mamuni Festival: Celebrated in October-November during the Moolanakshatram.
  • Satumurai for Tirumangai Azhwar: Held in the month of Karthigai during Karthigai Nakshatram.
  • Satumurai for Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal: Celebrated during Moolam, with special pujas conducted each month during this Nakshatram.

Century/Period/Age

600-630 A.D

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mamandur

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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