Thangakur Sri Paranjotheswarar Temple, Sivagangai

Address

Sri Paranjotheswarar Temple, Thangakur – Post – 630 610, Thiruppasethi (via) Manamadurai, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu

Diety

Paranjotheswarar Amman: Gnambigai

Introduction

The Paranjothi Eswarar Temple, located in Thanjakkur village in the Manamadurai Taluk of Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Presiding Deities:

The primary deity of the temple is known as Paranjothi Eswarar, also referred to as Rudra Kodeeswarar.
The divine consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is Gnanambigai.
Lord Shiva is enshrined in the form of a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested Lingam), which is a sacred and naturally occurring representation of Lord Shiva.
The temple has a separate shrine dedicated to the goddess, Gnanambigai, which faces south.

Historical Significance:

This temple holds historical significance as it is considered a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, as mentioned in the Devaram hymns. The Devaram hymns are a collection of Tamil religious poems composed by the Nayanars (saints) in praise of Lord Shiva.
The area was historically known as Aadhi Vilwa Vana Kshetram.

Temple Architecture:

The temple is oriented to the east and features a recently constructed five-tiered Rajagopuram (main entrance tower).
As is customary in many Hindu temples, the entrance to the sanctum is guarded by a Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva) statue, Balipeedam (sacrificial altar), and Dwajastambam (flagstaff).
Dwarapalakas (guardians) are present at the entrance of the sanctum to protect and guide devotees.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates two significant festivals:
1. Margazhi Thiruvadhirai: Celebrated in December-January, this festival commemorates the auspicious occasion of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, known as the Nataraja dance.
2. Maha Shivrathri: Celebrated in February-March, Maha Shivrathri is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts and offer special prayers and offerings on this day.

Worship and Beliefs:

Devotees visit the Paranjothi Eswarar Temple with various prayers and offerings. Those aspiring for scholarship and knowledge often worship at this temple.
The temple is also associated with offering relief for those facing skin problems. It is believed that bathing in the temple tank and worshipping Lord Shiva can provide relief for such ailments.
As part of their devotion, devotees perform abhishek (ritual bathing of the deity) to Lord Shiva and Gnanambigai and offer vastras (clothing) as a sign of their reverence.

The Paranjothi Eswarar Temple, with its historical and religious significance, is a sacred place where devotees seek blessings, knowledge, and relief from various afflictions. It serves as a center of spirituality and devotion in the region.