Melur Sri Thirumanangeeswarar Temple (Thiruvudai Amman Temple), Thiruvallur

Address

Sri Thirumanangeeswarar Temple (Thiruvudai Amman Temple), Melur, Minjur Town, Thiruvallur District – 601203.

Deity

Thirumanangeeswarar AMMAN: Thiruvudai Amman

Introduction

• Temple Name: Thirumanangeeswarar Temple (also known as Thiruvudai Amman Temple).
• Location: Melur Village, near Minjur Town, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Thiruvudai Amman.
• Significance: One of the Three Sakthi Temples.
  • Thiruvudai Amman is known as Ichcha Sakthi (fulfiller of wishes).
  • Other two Sakthi temples:
    • Vadivudai Amman Temple (Thiruvottriyur) – Known as Gnana Sakthi (bestower of knowledge).
    • Kodiyidai Amman Temple (Thirumullaivoyal) – Known as Kriya Sakthi (assists in actions).
• Temple Layout:
  • The Ambal Sannidhi (Thiruvudai Amman shrine) is located in the front.
  • The Shivan Sannidhi (Thirumanangeeswarar shrine) is situated behind.
• Auspicious Visit: It is considered auspicious to get darshan of all three Sakthi goddesses on the same day, especially on a full moon day, ideally on a Friday.

Puranic Significance

1. Thirumanangeeswarar Legend

• The area was once a forest filled with sweet-smelling flowers, called Suganda Vanam.
• A rich man discovered a cow pouring its milk over a Swayambu Lingam (self-manifested lingam) inside a shrub, and a snake consuming the milk.
• The lingam was named Sungandavaneswaran, later changed to Thirumanangeeswarar (a Tamil version).

2. Connection to the Tri Sakthi Temples

• Parvati’s Curse: After playfully closing Lord Shiva’s eyes, plunging the world into darkness for three seconds, Parvati was cursed to be born on earth three times as Ichcha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi, and Kriya Sakthi.
• Divine Wedding: Parvati was destined to marry Lord Shiva again after these incarnations, and the wedding is believed to have happened at this site.
• The forms of the goddesses in all three temples are identical, sculpted by the same sculptor.

3. Unique Features of the Temple

• Ambal (Thiruvudai Amman):
  • The shrine is newly rebuilt with cement.
  • The idol is about 5 feet tall, in a standing posture, and facing south.
  • There is a snake pit in front of the Ambal sannidhi.
• Presiding Deity:
  • Thirumanangeeswarar: The Shivalingam is a Swayambu Lingam of sand, covered with silver.
  • Rare sighting of Lord Brahma with a moustache and beard.
  • Shrines of Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Suryan, Bhairavar, and Veerabhadrar are located in the prakaram.
  • Sthala Vriksham: A Peepal tree growing from a Mango tree.

Beliefs

• Auspicious Darshan: Devotees believe it is auspicious to get darshan of all three Sakthi goddesses in the following order on the same day:
  • Morning: Melur Thiruvudai Amman Temple.
  • Afternoon: Thiruvottriyur Vadivudai Amman Temple.
  • Evening: Thirumullaivoyal Kodiyidai Amman Temple.
• The best day for this darshan is a Full Moon Day, and if it falls on a Friday, it is considered even more auspicious.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Melur

Nearest Railway Station

Minjur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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