Mappadugai Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Mappadugai / Pandaravadai, Mayiladuthurai Circle,

Mayiladuthurai District,

Tamil Nadu 609003

Moolavar

Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva

Amman

Soundaranayaki

Introduction

The Mappadugai Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mappadugai (also known as Pandaravadai) village in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Deities:

The presiding deity is known as Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar Shiva.
The divine consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is called Soundaranayaki.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have a history of more than 1000 years.
It is spread over an area of approximately one acre.

Architecture and Features:

The temple faces east and lacks a front tower (Rajagopuram). It features an ornamental gate.
The temple is constructed entirely of brick and includes a long front hall.
As you enter the temple, you will first encounter an idol of Lakshmi Vinayagar at the entrance gate.
The main deity, Thirumeni Azhagiyanathar, faces the east direction, and Soundaranayaki faces the south.
The temple has a section known as Karurai Kottam, which houses idols of Tenmukan, Lingotpavar, Brahma, and Durga.
The northern side of the temple is home to ancient idols of Iyanar and Chandran.
The temple features a unique arrangement of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) aligned towards the Sun. Additionally, the Sun and the Moon are positioned in a straight line towards the west, similar to the alignment during a lunar eclipse.

Beliefs and Practices:

Worshipping the Lord in this temple on the day of a lunar eclipse and offering prayers to the new stars, such as Cancer, Taurus, and Scorpio, is believed to bring certain benefits.
The temple is considered auspicious for those looking to remedy lunar doshas (afflictions) associated with astrology.