Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple- Thiruvarur

Address

Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 614001 +91- 4367 – 222 276, +91- 94433 43363.

Deity

Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 614001 +91- 4367

Introduction

• Location: Mannargudi, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Rajagopalaswamy, a form of Lord Krishna.
• Significance:
  • One of the important Vaishnavite shrines in India, referred to as Dakshina Dwaraka (Southern Dwaraka).
  • Initially constructed by Kulothunga Chola I between 1070-1125 A.D. and later renovated by Thanjavur Nayaks, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century.
  • The temple complex covers an area of 23 acres (93,000 m²) and includes a 154 ft. Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
  • The temple is surrounded by a granite wall enclosing its shrines and seven of its nine bodies of water, including the Haridra Nadhi, one of the largest temple tanks in India.
• Rituals: The temple hosts six daily rituals and three yearly festivals, with the chariot festival during the Tamil month of Panguni (June-July) being the most prominent.
• Administration: Maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

• Iconography: Lord Krishna is depicted as a shepherd boy holding a whip, adorned with a dhoti and jewels, accompanied by a cow and two calves.
• Mythology:
  • Krishna killed the royal elephant Kuvalayapeetam sent by his maternal uncle Kamsa.
  • The tusk of the elephant is depicted in Krishna’s left hand.
  • Rajagopala is shown wearing an ear ornament (Thadanga) that belonged to a Gopi who found her missing earring on Krishna’s ear.
• Ritual Offerings: Milk and Dosa (during evening pujas) are offered as Nivedhana to Lord Krishna.
• Sages’ Story: Sages Gopilar and Gopralayar, after hearing the Leelas of Krishna, sought His darshan and performed penance at this site where the Lord eventually appeared before them.

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that prayers to Lord Rajagopalar-Vaasudeva bring prosperity, happiness in marriages, removal of adversities affecting children, and health for cattle.
• Tirumanjanam (a purification ritual) is performed for the deity, and cows are often donated.

Special Features

• The temple complex consists of:
  • 16 Towers
  • 18 Vimanas
  • 7 Prakaras
  • 7 Mandaps
  • 9 Sacred Springs (theerthas)
• The Rajagopuram is unique, lacking sculptures up to the sixth stage from the base.
• Renowned for the beauty of its temple cars (Raths) and the compound wall.
• The Haridra Nadhi tank, associated with the penance of sages, is regarded as equivalent to the Yamuna River.

Festivals

• Major festivals celebrated at the temple include:
  • Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April)
  • Summer festival in Chithirai – Vaikasi (April to June)
  • Aadi Pooram (July-August)
  • Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October)
  • Oonjal festival for Rajagopalaswami in Masi (February-March)
• The float festival is celebrated on Aani Poornima in June-July.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mannarkudi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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