Ambasamudram Thirumoolanathar Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Ambasamudram Thirumoolanathar Temple – Thirunelveli

Ambasamudram, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627401

Moolavar

Thirumoolanathar

Amman

Ulagammai

Introduction

The Thirumoolanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Thirumoolanathaswamy, is a revered shrine located in Ambasamudram, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Thirumoolanathar (a Swayambhu Lingam).
  • Consort: Goddess Ulagammai.
• Theerthams: Brahma Theertham and Saraswathi Theertham, believed to have divine origins.
• Significance: One of the Muppeeda Shrines (Three Holy Shrines) alongside the Thirugoshtiyoor Temple (Oorakaadu) and the Thirumoolanathar Temple (Vallanadu).
• Proximity: Close to the Purushothama Perumal Temple.

This temple, estimated to be over 1,500 years old, is steeped in mythology and history, offering devotees a spiritually enriching experience.

Puranic Significance

1. Brahma Theertham and Saraswathi Theertham:
   • As per legend, Lord Brahma sought to escape the cycle of birth and death.
   • Upon Lord Shiva’s advice, Brahma and his consort, Saraswathi, performed a yagna at Aamalaka Vanam (a gooseberry forest) near the Tamirabarani River.
   • They created the sacred ponds Brahma Theertham and Saraswathi Theertham, where they bathed and performed their rituals.
   • Lord Shiva appeared as a Lingam made of Vibhuti (sacred ash) with Goddess Ulagammai, granting their wishes.
2. Agastya’s Vision:
   • Sage Agastya, a revered sage of Hindu mythology, witnessed the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Ulagammai at this site.

Special Features

1. Temple Layout:
   • The temple, set amidst lush paddy fields, faces east and is one of the oldest in Ambasamudram.
   • Unique Features:
     • Absence of a temple tower.
     • Flagstaff positioned between the main shrine and Nandi, a characteristic feature of the temples in this region.
   • The sanctum sanctorum houses a large Shiva Lingam as Thirumoolanathar.
   • The Maha Mandapa features a beautiful mural of Nataraja-Sivakami and a shrine for Goddess Ulagammai facing south.
2. Corridor (Prakara):
   • Houses idols of:
     • Nalvar (four Saivite saints), Bhairava, Saneeswara, Surya, Chandra, and Adhikara Nandi (Nandi in a standing posture).
   • Separate shrines for:
     • Meenakshi and Chokkanathar.
     • Lord Vishnu with his two consorts.
     • Navagraha (nine planets), Ganesha, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Shasta with his two consorts, and Annamalaiyar.
   • Uniquely, Dakshinamoorthi and Vishnu Durga appear as full sculptures within sub-shrines, instead of typical bas-reliefs.
3. Nearby Temple:
   • The Purushothama Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is nearby. Lord Vishnu here holds two conches and two discuses, a rare representation.
   • Both temples are attributed to the reign of Parantaka Chola.

Festivals

1. Chitra Poornima (April-May): Celebrating the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
2. Vaikasi Visakam (May-June): Special rituals and festivities.
3. Aadi Pooram (July-August): A festival dedicated to Goddess Ulagammai.
4. Vinayaka Chathurthi (August-September): Honoring Lord Ganesha.
5. Navarathri (September-October): Celebrations dedicated to Goddess Ulagammai.
6. Maha Shivaratri (February-March): A grand festival honoring Lord Shiva.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/thirumoolanathar-temple-ambasamudram.html

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Ambasamudram

Nearest Railway Station

Ambasamudram

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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