Mananthakudi Ekambareswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mananthakudi Ekambareswarar Temple, Mananthakudi – 609 503, Thiruvarur District Phone: +91 – 4366 239389

Deity

Ekambareswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

Location: Mananthakudi Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
Deities:
- Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, known as Ekambareswarar
- Urchavar (Processional Deity): Chandrasekharar
- Consort: Kamakshi
Theertham (Sacred Water): Hanuman Theertham
Age: The temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

The temple holds a significant legend involving a devotee named Kaarthaveeriyan, who was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. During his worship, Anjaneya (Hanuman) accidentally disturbed him, leading to Kaarthaveeriyan cursing Anjaneya. Realizing his mistake, Anjaneya sought forgiveness at this sacred place, where he installed a Shivalingam and worshipped it. Lord Shiva and Ambal (Kamakshi) appeared before him, granting him relief from the curse. This joyous event led to the area being named Anuman Aanandakudi, later shortened to Maanandakudi.

Beliefs

Spiritual Significance: Devotees believe that those who commit wrongs without knowledge can pray here for peace of mind.
Offerings: Devotees can offer new clothes to Ambal and perform special poojas for blessings.

Special Features

Deities:
- Lord Shiva appears as Ekambareswarar, and Kamakshi Ambal resides in a separate sanctum facing south.
- A dedicated sanctum for Anjaneya, known as Mangala Anjaneyar, is believed to bring welfare to devotees.
Unique Aspects:
- Special poojas are conducted on New Moon days and Moolam star days.
- Lord Dhakshinamoorthi is considered very powerful here, accompanied by his four disciples: Sanakar, Sananthanar, Sanaathanar, and Sanathkumaarar, as well as the Saptarishis.
- The temple features a unique representation of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) with their spouses, believed to be tied to Anjaneya’s tail. This configuration signifies their direct connection and the power to relieve devotees of planetary curses (grahadoshas).
- Devotees suffering from serpent curses (naagadosham) install Naagar statues for worship.
- The temple features Idumban, positioned with his right leg forward, ready to serve Lord Subramanya, which is a traditional belief.
- Additional sanctums are dedicated to Karpaga Vinayakar, Mahalakshmi, and Mariamman.

Festivals

The temple hosts various festivals, particularly for those seeking forgiveness and peace of mind. Devotees engage in special offerings, such as dressing Ambal in new clothes and performing special poojas.