Thennangur Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Address

Thennangur Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Thennangur, Vandavasi,

Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu 603406

Moolavar

Sundareswarar

Amman

Meenakshi

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Thennangur Village, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Sundareswarar, and Goddess Meenakshi as the presiding deities.
• Known in ancient times as Dakshina Halasyam and Shadaranya Kshetra (Land of Six Forests).

Puranic Significance:

1. Birthplace of Goddess Meenakshi:
   • The Pandya King performed a yagna at this sacred site with the guidance of the Sapta Rishis, praying for a child.
   • A girl child manifested from the yagna, whom the king named Sri Meenakshi and later took to Madurai.
   • Hence, Thennangur is revered as the birthplace of Goddess Meenakshi, and this temple was built in her honor.
2. Idol Installation:
   • Guruji initially planned to construct a temple dedicated to Lakshmi-Narayana.
   • Based on the advice of sthapathis and with the blessings of Kanchi Paramacharya, a Shaiva-Vishnu temple was built instead.
   • During Guruji’s visit to Varanasi, he found a Bana Lingam in the Ganges while taking a holy dip, which he brought to Thennangur and installed as Lord Sundareswarar.
3. Divine Connection:
   • The temple’s construction and deities were deeply connected with spiritual guidance and blessings from saints like Gurunatha and Kanchi Paramacharya.

Beliefs and Devotees’ Prayers:

• Child Boon:
  Devotees pray for fertility and the blessing of progeny.
• Prosperity and Courage:
  Worshippers seek fearlessness and wealth.
• Offerings:
  Devotees present vastras (clothes) and ornaments to the deities in gratitude.

Special Features:

1. Historical Significance:
   • Acknowledged as the birthplace of Goddess Meenakshi.
   • Represents the cultural and spiritual integration of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
2. Unique Idol Origin:
   • The Bana Lingam of Lord Sundareswarar was retrieved from the sacred Ganges, making it highly auspicious.
3. Annual Celebration:
   • The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Kalyanam (divine wedding ceremony) is a major annual event, drawing devotees from across the region.

Festivals:

• All Shiva-related festivals are celebrated with devotion, particularly:
  • Masi Magam (February-March):
    Observed with grandeur, including special abishekams, decorations, and rituals for Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi.

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thennangur

Nearest Railway Station

Villupuram

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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