Needamangalam Sri Santhana Ramaswamy Temple, Thiruvarur
Address
Needamangalam Sri Santhana Ramaswamy Temple, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur District Mobile: +91 94448 54208
Deity
Sri Santhana Ramaswamy Amman: Sita
Introduction
- Location: Needamangalam Town, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
- Deity: Presiding deity is Sri Santhana Ramaswamy (Lord Vishnu), with Mother Sita as the divine consort.
Puranic Significance
- Historical Background:
- Built during the reign of Maharaja Prataba Simha (1739-1763).
- Maharaja constructed two temples in Needamangalam, along with a rest house (choultry).
- The region is linked to Kasi-Varanasi, enhancing its spiritual reputation.
- Azhwars composed numerous poems and hymns celebrating the temple.
- Significant Events:
- Samprokshanam (consecration) performed in 1924, with Maha Samprokshanam in 1956, and a subsequent consecration in 2006.
- Name Origin: The area was known as Neeradumangalam (meaning ‘abundance of water’) due to a childless couple, Saraboji and Yamunambal, bathing in the Saketha Pushkarini and being blessed with children after praying to Santhana Ramaswamy.
- Cultural Importance: Notable figures such as Muthuswamy Dikshidar composed songs honoring Santhana Ramaswamy.
Beliefs
- Devotional Practices:
- Childless couples pray for children and often visit the Saketha Pushkarini before seeking blessings.
- Rohini and Revathi Nakshatra days are significant for cradling the Santana Gopala Vigraham to invoke blessings for children.
Special Features
- Temple Location: Centrally located in Needamangalam, surrounded by water sources from Vennaru and Korayaru rivers.
- Architectural Elements:
- Features include a Vasantha Mandapam, front Mandapam, flag post, Yagasala, and Balipeeta.
- Idols of Azhwars, Nikamanda Maha Desikan, Sri Garuda, and Hanuman installed according to scriptures.
- Lord Santhana Ramaswamy with Mother Sita and Brother Lakshmana is in a standing form within the Thryanka Vimana sanctum.
- Thumbikkai Azhwar and Mother Durga located on the northern side.
- The temple follows the Vadakalai Pancharathra system in its pujas.
- The total area covered by the temple is approximately 272 ft. x 163 ft..
- Sri Anjaneya has a separate shrine.
Festivals
- Major festivals celebrated include:
- Rama Navami (March-April)
- Aadi Pooram boat festival (July-August)
- Aavani Pavithra Utsavam (August-September)
- Purattasi Navarathri (September-October)
- Margazhi Adhyayana Utsavam
- Garudaseva on Akshaya Tritiya
- Navarathri, Hanuman Jayanthi, and Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January)
Century/Period/Age
1739 to 1763.
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Needamangalam
Nearest Railway Station
Needamangalam
Nearest Airport
Trichy