Seruvamani Vanmeekanatha Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Koothanallur circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610205

Moolavar

Vanmeekanathar

Amman

Mangalambhikai

Introduction

Seruvamani Vanmeekanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Seruvamani village, Koothanallur circle, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated in a large walled compound on the side of the road leading between two large lakes in the middle of the town on the west bank of the Vennar. This is an East facing Shiva temple. Here the presiding deity is called as Vanmeekanathar and Mother is called as Mangalambhikai.

Puranic Significance

The Lord- Vanmeekanatha is called as Karaiyaan; this name is because; rose from the termite plant. Mangalambhikai is the Goddess who gives all the blessings; now known as Solthiripu Agimangalamphikai. Since there is an idol of Jeshta Devi in this temple, it can be said that this temple is more than a thousand years old.

The east facing shrine is seen rising from the ground level. The prastram is made of carved stone up to the roof level. In front of the Lord there is a long stone mandapam, which is connected to the south-facing ambikai. Outside this hall there is a Nandi Mandapam facing the Lord. On the Karurai Kottam, there is a dome slightly raised to the south. Adjacent to the north wall is a single dome. Vinayagar is in the south-west and Murugan Vallitheivan is in the north-west.

Only the north-east part of the temple extends slightly towards the north and in one hall there are Navagraha’s and in the other hall the twin Biravar’s facing west, near the Sun and the two Nagas. Idols of Sundesar perumal are placed separately without being installed. The thousand-year-old temple remains as it is today after many changes. There is also a big temple in the same town.

“With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.