Mannargudi Jayamkonda Nathar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mannargudi Jayamkonda Nathar Temple, Mannargudi Thiruvarur District – 614014

Deity

Jayamkonda Nathar Amman: Periya Nayagi

Introduction

• Location: Mannargudi Town, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu (Rampuram area)
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Jayamkonda Nathar
  • Mother: Periya Nayagi Amman
• Other Names: The temple is also known as Rajarajeswaram and Vysapuram.

Puranic Significance

The temple has deep historical and mythological roots, tied to the legacy of the Chola dynasty:

• Construction by Rajathi Rajan: The temple was constructed by Rajathi Rajan, the eldest son of Gangaikonda Cholan, who ruled from 1018 to 1054. It was built in commemoration of his victory over the Western Chalukyas.
• Thirattupal Festival:
  • Celebrated on the Rohini star day in May-June, this festival symbolizes the connection between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
  • During the festival, a sweet preparation called Thirattupal, made from cow milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom, is prepared in the temple.
  • It is taken to Lord Rajagopalaswamy Temple by an elephant and distributed to devotees.
  • The legend states that Lord Jayamkondanathar sent this delicacy to Lord Vishnu after witnessing Him playing with the Gopikas, ensuring Vishnu’s comfort.
• Prayers of Chola Kings: Historical accounts suggest that Chola kings achieved victory in battles after offering their prayers at the feet of Lord Shiva at this temple.
• Sage Vyasa’s Contribution: It is believed that Sage Vyasa installed the Vyasalinga (a type of Shiva lingam) within the temple.

Beliefs

Devotees come to the temple seeking:

• Health
• Longevity
• Relief from fear and threats from enemies

Common offerings include Thirattupal and rice Nivedhana (food offerings) to both Lord Jayamkonda Nathar and Periya Nayagi Amman.

Special Features

• Architecture: The temple features a three-tiered Rajagopuram (tower) and a spacious prakaram (outer courtyard).
• Vinayagar Shrine: A shrine for Vinayagar is located at the entrance.
• Deities in Sanctum:
  • Besides Jayamkonda Nathar, there is a separate shrine for Vyasalinga, accompanied by Sage Narada on the left and Lord Vishnu behind.
  • The sanctum wall hosts Koshta Idols of various deities, including Vinayaga, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durga.
• Other Shrines:
  • The temple has shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Anantha Valli, Bhairavar, Navagraha, and Sanai Saran.
  • A stage in front of the Vyasalinga Shrine houses additional Lingams, including those of Vinayagar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, and Nagas.

Festivals

• Thirattupal Thiruvizha: This grand festival celebrates the sweet preparation Thirattupal, made from milk and sugar.
  • Timing: The festival takes place on the full moon day in the Aadi month (July-August), a day deemed significant for Lord Shiva.
  • Rituals: The festival features a special Thirattupal abishek (ritual bathing) for Lord Shiva, followed by pujas performed with specific flowers like Oomathai and Karuneidhal, believed to bring great benefits to devotees.
  • Health Rituals: Devotees prepare porridge with bamboo rice and milk, which is offered to the Lord and consumed for good health. The festival is also celebrated in other Shiva temples, including Sirkali, Thiruvidaimarudur, and Vaitheeswaran Koil. Offerings of rice and Naratham Pazham (a type of citric fruit) are common during this festival, both in temples and homes.

Century/Period/Age

1018- 1054

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mannargudi

Nearest Railway Station

Mannargudi

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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