Manamadurai Someswarar Temple, Sivaganga
Address
Manamadurai Someswarar Temple, Sivaganga
Manamadurai,
Sivaganga District,
Tamil Nadu
Phone: +91 – 4574 268906
Moolavar
Someswarar
Amman
Ananda Valli.
Introduction
The Someswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Manamadurai in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, India. Manamadurai is approximately 18 kilometers away from Sivaganga and is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. It is located along the Madurai-Rameswaram national highway.
Puranic Significance
- The temple is believed to be about 1,500 years old, and it holds a significant place in the local history and culture.
- The town of Manamadurai has an interesting etymological history. It is said that monkeys once dropped Vilva leaves (leaves of the Bael tree, which are considered sacred in Hinduism) onto the Shiva Lingam at this location. This act pleased Lord Shiva, and as a result, the place came to be known as “Vanara Madurai.” Over time, the name evolved into “Manamadurai.”
Beliefs
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of: Salvation, Wealth, Relief from diseases, Purchase of vehicles, Gain Knowledge.
Special Features
Deities and Sanctums:
- The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Someswarar (Thirupathakesar).
- The goddess of the temple is known as Ananda Valli Amman, and she has her own separate sanctum.
- The temple also houses other deities, including Vinayakar (Lord Ganesha), Subramaniyar (Lord Muruga), Natarajar (an aspect of Lord Shiva), Mahalakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi), Navagraham (the nine planetary deities), and Bairavar.
- The sacred water body associated with the temple is the Vaigai River, and the temple’s sacred tree is the Vilva tree, which holds great significance in Shaivism.
Sadasiva Brahmendral:
- The Someswarar Temple is also renowned for being the site believed to house the Maha Samadhi (final resting place) of the great saint Sadasiva Brahmendral. Sadasiva Brahmendral was a revered saint, philosopher, and composer of devotional songs.
- His connection to the temple adds to its spiritual significance, and devotees often visit to pay their respects and seek blessings.
The Someswarar Temple in Manamadurai is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and cultural importance. It continues to be a center of spiritual activity and devotion for the local community and visitors who come to seek solace and blessings from Lord Someswarar and other deities within the temple complex.
Festivals
All Shiva related festivals especially Masi Magam is celebrated here with much fanfare.
Century/Period
1500 Years Old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)
Nearest Bus Station
Manamadurai
Nearest Railway Station
Manamadurai
Nearest Airport
Madurai