Mananthakudi Ekambareswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

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

Diety

Ekambareswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to God Shiva located at Mananthakudi Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ekambareswarar. Urchavar is Chandrasekharar. Mother is called as Kamakshi. Theertham is Hanuman Theertham. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

A devotee, Kaarthaveeriyan was deeply devoted to Lord Siva. Once when he was performing Siva pooja, Anjaneya disturbed his worship. The angry Kaarthaveeriyan cursed Anjaneya, who realized his fault came to this sacred place seeking relief. He installed Shivalingam and worshipped it. Lord Siva with Ambal appeared before him and granted release from the curse. The delighted Anjaneya joyfully danced. So this place came to be known as ‘Anuman Aanandakudi’ which was later shortened to ‘Maanandakudi’.

Beliefs

Those who commit wrongs without knowledge can come here and pray for peace of mind. The devotees can render offering by donning new clothes to Ambal and by performing special poojas.

Special Features

Lord Siva who appeared before Anjaneya graces as Ekambareswarar. Kamakshi Ambal is in separate sanctum facing south. There is a separate sanctum to Lord Anjaneya and to worship him brings in all welfare is the staunch belief. So he is called ‘Mangala Anjaneyar’. Special poojas are performed on the New Moon days and on the Moolam star days. Urchavar is Chandrasekharar. Theertham is Hanuman Theertham. Lord Dhakshinamoorthi here is quite powerful. In his peetam are the four disciples Sanakar, Sananthanar, Sanaathanar, Sanathkumaarar and also the Saptarishis. Nandhi is also seen. To see Dhakshinamoorthi in this manner is a very rare sight. Opposite to the sanctum of Anjaneya is the sanctum of Navagraha with their respective spouses. All of them are in sitting posture, each with separate tiruvaachi (a semicircular decorated diagram) – this is quite significant. Tradition believes that Anjaneya has tied the Navagrahas in his tail Since the Navagrahas with their family are under his direct vision, the belief is that all kinds of grahadoshas (planets’ curse) get relieved. Those who have such planetary as well as astrological curses pray here by tying husk-coconut in the sanctum. Those with serpent-curse (naagadosham) install Naagar statues and worship. Generally, behind the koshtam of Lord Siva’s sanctum will be Lingodhbava. But, here Idumban is seen and opposite to him is Lord Subramanya in a separate sanctum. Idumban is seen with his right leg forward, ready to serve Lord Subramanya – this is a traditional belief. In the prakaram, there are separate sanctums for Karpaga Vinayakar, Mahalakshmi and Mariamman.

Festivals

Those who commit wrongs without knowledge can come here and pray for peace of mind. The devotees can render offering by donning new clothes to Ambal and by performing special poojas.