Manamelkudi Jagatheeswarar Temple (Kulachirai Nayanar Sthalam), Pudukottai

Address

Manamelkudi – 614 620 Pudukottai District

Mobile: +91 75020 64449

Moolavar

Jagatheeswarar

Amman

Jagathrakshaki

Introduction

The Jagatheeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Manamelkudi Town in the Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India, is a place of great historical and religious significance. The Jagatheeswarar Temple is situated in Manamelkudi Town, which falls under the Manamelkudi Taluk in the Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. It is located approximately 3.5 kilometers from the Manamelkudi Bus Stand.

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deities:

Lord Jagatheeswarar: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is referred to as Jagatheeswarar.
Goddess Jagathrakshaki: The mother goddess in the temple is known as Jagathrakshaki.

Historical Significance:

The temple is considered an Avathara Sthalam of Kulachirai Nayanar, a revered devotee of Lord Shiva. Kulachirai Nayanar’s story is closely associated with this temple.
Kulachirai Nayanar served as the Prime Minister of the Pandyan King Koon Pandyan. He was known for his hospitality to Shaivite saints and poets and was a staunch Shaivite, even in a kingdom influenced by Jainism.

Kulachirai Nayanar’s Role: Kulachirai Nayanar played a pivotal role in reviving Shaivism in the Pandyan Kingdom, where Jainism was gaining influence. With the support of Queen Mangayarkkarasiyar, who was a devoted Shaivite, and Prime Minister Kulachirai Nayanar, Shaivism was restored to prominence in the kingdom. Their efforts included inviting the saints Appar and Sambandar to Madurai to help in the reconversion of the king.

Cure of King Koon Pandyan: Sambandar, one of the Shaivite saints, played a significant role in curing King Koon Pandyan of his ailments, including incurable boils and a hunchback, through devotional hymns and applying Thiruneeru (sacred ash). The king’s conversion to Shaivism led to the decline of Jainism’s influence and the resurgence of Shaivism in the kingdom.

References in Ramayana: Manamelkudi is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama tried to cross the Bay of Bengal to reach Sri Lanka from different points along the southeastern coast of India, including Manamelkudi.

Special Features

Architecture: The Jagatheeswarar Temple is believed to be approximately 1000 years old. The temple is characterized by its east-facing entrance and features a three-tiered Rajagopuram. The presiding deity, Lord Jagatheeswarar, is enshrined in the form of a Lingam, while Goddess Jagathrakshaki has a separate shrine that faces south. Within the temple premises, there are also shrines dedicated to Lord Vinayagar, Lord Murugan, the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities), Lord Dakshinamoorthy, and Kulachirai Nayanar.

The Jagatheeswarar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and religious significance. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Shaivism in the region and is a place of reverence for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.