Idumbavanam Sri Sargunanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Idumbavanam Sri Sarguna Nathar Temple, Idumbavanam, Tiruthuraipoondi Taluk, Tiruvarur district-614 703. PH:04369-240349

Diety

Sargunanatheswarar, Amman: Mangalavalli

Introduction

Sarguna Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of Idumbavanam in the Thiruthuraipoondi Taluk of Thiruvarur District in Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Sarguna Nathar / Sarguneswarar / Manakola Nathar / Kalyaneswarar / Idumbavanewarar. Mother is called as Mangalanayahi / Mangalavalli / Kalyaneswari. Hymns in praise of the temple have been sung by the Saivite saint Sambandar in the Thevaram.This is the 225th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 108th Shiva Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. The temple is frequented by people desiring to rid themselves of the fear of death. The place is believed to have got its name from a demon named Idumban who worshipped Shiva here and attained salvation. In the vicinity of Idumbavanam is Thillaivilagam, a Vaishnava Abhimanastalam enshrining Rama. Thala Virutcham : Vilwa Theertham : Brahmma Theertham

Puranic Significance

Idumbavanam: A demon, Idumban by name bathed in the sacred spring of the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva seeking total salvation. Relieved of all his past sins, he married one Idumbai, hence the name Idumbavanam to the place. Thirugnana Sambandar walking upside down: Saint Thirugnana Sambandar visited this place during his pilgrimage from Vedaranyam to Madurai. As he saw Shivalingas in every particle of the sand of the place, he walked through the place by his hands keeping the legs up, according to a story of the place. Lord Shiva granted his wedding darshan to Sage Agasthya: This is also one of the places where Lord Shiva granted his wedding darshan to Sage Agasthya. The Wedding posture of Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi is depicted behind the presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum. Agasthya relieved Deva Sharma & his wife curse: During his stay in the place, Sage Agasthya sprayed the water in his Kamandalam (a hand bowl carried by sages) on Deva Sharma and his wife who became demons due to their sins. Pithur Mukthi Sthalam: Gunabaran brought the ashes of his father to this place, he saw his father blessing him and attaining salvation. The place is considered very sacred for attaining salvation. Relief from fear of death: Lord Yama the God of Death, to relieve himself from the curse of Lord Shiva for throwing the fate rope on Sage Markandeya by worshipping Lord in this place. This is a place of worship for relief from the fear of death. Brahma worshipped Shiva here: Once, the gentle traits (Satva Guna) of Lord Brahmma began to decline due to the curse of Lord Shiva. To regain the character loss, Brahmma took on a pilgrimage to Shiva Sthalas. Pleased with his efforts, Lord Shiva granted darshan in his wedding form with Mother Parvathi, Vinayaka and Muruga. Hence, Lord Shiva is praised as Sarguna Nathar – Lord of Gentle Characters. Lord Brahmma created a spring – Brahmma Theertham and launched the festival, Brahmmotsavam in Vaikasi-May-June. Other names of this place: Vilvavanam, Sarguneswaram, Mangalanayahi Puram, Manakkola Nagar are the historical names of this place. People worshipped Shiva here: Lord Shiva was worshipped by Lord Brahma, Lord Rama, Lord Yama, Sage Markandeya, Sage Agastya and Idumban. Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here: The place has greater importance as Lord Sri Rama worshipped the Lord here to win Ravana.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in wedding talks, to defeat enemies and freedom from fear of death. Realizing their wishes, devotees light lamps in the temple. They also offer (supply) oil for daily lighting in the temple.

Special Features

This small temple is beautified with a 3 tier Rajagopuram, an attractive Vimanam and is surrounded by lofty walls. Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Presiding deity graces the devotees facing east and he is called as Sarguna Nathar / Sarguneswarar / Manakola Nathar / Kalyaneswarar / Idumbavanewarar. Mother is called as Mangalanayahi / Mangalavalli / Kalyaneswari. Lord Shiva & Goddess Sri Parvati in their wedding attire can be seen in the sanctum.

Festivals

The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi. Other festivals celebrated here include Aani Tirumanjanam, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and Thai Poosam. Navaratri, Aadi Pooram, and Skanda Sashti are also celebrated.