Mappadugai Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Mappadugai Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Mappadugai / Pandaravadai, Mayiladuthurai Circle,

Mayiladuthurai District,

Tamil Nadu 609003

Moolavar

Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva

Amman

Soundaranayaki

Introduction

The Mappadugai Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mappadugai (also known as Pandaravadai) village in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Deities:

• The presiding deity is known as Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva.
• The divine consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is called Soundaranayaki.

Puranic Significance 

• The temple is believed to have a history of more than 1000 years.
• It is spread over an area of approximately one acre.

Architecture and Features:

• The temple faces east and lacks a front tower (Rajagopuram). It features an ornamental gate.
• The temple is constructed entirely of brick and includes a long front hall.
• As you enter the temple, you will first encounter an idol of Lakshmi Vinayagar at the entrance gate.
• The main deity, Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar, faces the east direction, and Soundaranayaki faces the south.
• The temple has a section known as Karurai Kottam, which houses idols of Tenmukan, Lingotpavar, Brahma, and Durga.
• The northern side of the temple is home to ancient idols of Iyanar and Chandran.
• The temple features a unique arrangement of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) aligned towards the Sun. Additionally, the Sun and the Moon are positioned in a straight line towards the west, similar to the alignment during a lunar eclipse.

Beliefs and Practices:

• Worshipping the Lord in this temple on the day of a lunar eclipse and offering prayers to the new stars, such as Cancer, Taurus, and Scorpio, is believed to bring certain benefits.
• The temple is considered auspicious for those looking to remedy lunar doshas (afflictions) associated with astrology.

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Mappadugai

Nearest Railway Station

Mayiladuthurai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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