Sri Achala Deepeswarar Temple, Mohanur

Address

Sri Achala Deepeswarar Temple, Mohanur, Namakkal District Phone: +91- 4286 – 257 018 Mobile: +91 – 94433 57139.

Diety

Achala Deepeswarar(Kumareeswarar) Amman: Madukaraveni Ambikai

Introduction

The Achala Deepeshwarar Temple in Mohanur, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The primary deities of the temple are Lord Shiva, known as Achala Deepeshwarar, and the Goddess, known as Madhukara Veni. Lord Shiva is also referred to as Kumareeswarar in this temple.

Puranic Significance

Legend and Origin:

This temple is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and is connected to other Shiva temples praised in the Thevaram hymns, specifically mentioned in the hymn for Vaiputhalam.
The Goddess Madhukara Veni chased Lord Muruga as He was leaving His parents, Lord Shiva and Parvati, after the famous Mango incident. This event is popular among devotees. Lord Muruga did not listen to His parents’ explanations.
As Ambica, the Goddess, chased her son Muruga to bring Him back home, Lord Shiva followed Her. Upon Ambica’s request to stop, Lord Muruga stood still in this place, respecting His mother’s call. As a result, Lord Shiva appeared as a Swayambulinga (self-manifested lingam) and came to be known as Achala Deepeshwarar.

Etymology:

The name “Mohanur” is derived from the word “Mahan” or “Mahanur,” as this is the place where Lord Muruga halted to the call of Ambica. “Mahan” means “great,” and the town was later named Mohanur.
The nearby Lord Muruga temple, where He stopped when Ambica called Him back, is situated on a hill close to the temple.

Beliefs

The belief is that devotees worshipping the Lord after a dip inthe Cauvery would relieve him/her from the evil effects ofprevious births and would ensure longevity. Ayush Homas (forlongevity) are often conducted in the temple. Those aged 60and 80 celebrate their birth days in the temple. A special prayer here in this temple, is Mouna Viratham. That is essentially a silence prayer. To stay in this temple for a few days and be silent throughout and offering that silence itself to the Lord is considered a very special prayer. This offering is especially for child bearing issues. women health specialty temples in my older posts, now this is pregnancy specialty temple!!! This offering is further extended by cooking along with the maintenance of the silence and performing Annadanam (food offering to general public).

Special Features

Temple Architecture and Design:

One distinctive feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva faces west, while the Goddess faces east. The shrines are designed in such a way that the Lord and Goddess are positioned right next to each other, which is a rare architectural design.
There is a small Banalinga in the temple that is said to have been worshipped by a curd seller. Special pujas are performed to both the main deity and the Banalinga.

Significance of Bharani Deepam:

Bharani Deepam lit in this temple during the Karthikai month (November-December) is considered highly significant. It is on par with the Bharani Deepam lit in Thiruvannamalai the following day on Kruthika star day. Special pujas and abhisheks are performed to Lord Shiva on this day.

Achala Deepeswarar’s Name and Lamp:

The temple’s name, Achala Deepeshwarar, is associated with deepa (lamp) worship. An ever-burning lamp is kept in Lord Shiva’s shrine, signifying the temple’s name, which means “unwavering” and “firm” like a hill.
The lamp, like Lord Shiva in his meditation posture, remains motionless.

Story Behind Ambica Shrine:

Initially, the temple had only a shrine for Lord Shiva. The legend associated with the construction of the Ambica shrine involves a woman named Kumarayee who sold curd for a living.
Kumarayee used to offer the leftover curd to Lord Shiva and consumed it after completing her sales. She became pregnant and gave birth to a child. People in the village doubted her chastity, but she maintained that Lord Shiva knew of her purity.
Eventually, she merged into the Cauvery River. Mother Ambica emerged from the river, appeared to everyone, and declared herself as the curd seller woman. The shrine for Ambica was built following this event. Both Lord Shiva and Ambica bear names connected to this story.

Festivals

Special Rituals:

Special pujas are performed on all full moon days to Lord Shiva and Goddess Ambica. Devotees pray on these days, particularly seeking blessings for children.

River Cauvery and Special Pujas:

The temple is located on the banks of the River Cauvery, which flows from north to south in this region, akin to Kasi (Varanasi). Lord Shiva’s shrine faces the river.
Special pujas are performed to Goddess Ambica on the Aadi 18th day, which falls in July-August, as well as other occasions.