Sri Akshayanathasamy Temple, Tirumanthurai

Address

Sri Akshayanathasamy Temple, Sooriyanarkoil Road, Thirumandurai, Thiruppanandal Taluk, Thanjavur District – 609804 Phone: 0435 247 2349

Diety

Akshaya Natha Swamy Amman: Yoganayagi

Introduction

Akshaya Natha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirumandurai Village near Sooriyanarkoil in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Akshaya Natha Swamy / Manthurai Nathar / Amravaneswarar and Mother is called as Yoganayagi. The Temple is considered as Chandran Parihara Sthalam and also Parihara Sthalam for Rohini starrers and Vrichikam Rasi. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Thirugnana Sambandar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is considered as part of Saptha Sthana Temples of Kanjanur. The Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram and it has two prakarams. Sculpture of Vishnu and Uchista Ganapathy worshipping Lord Shiva can be seen at the entrance of Raja Gopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Akshaya Natha Swamy / Manthurai Nathar / Amravaneswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum. Mother is called as Yoganayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the right side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu along with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in North west corner of the temple premises. Theertham associated with the temple are Chandra Theertham and Surya Theertham. Chandran Theertham is a well looks like crescent moon in shape. When the moon in Ascension, the water level in the well increases and when the moon in descension, the water level in the well decreases. There is a large temple present in front of the temple.

Puranic Significance

Chandra got relief from a curse: Chandra was cursed that his body will fade away and he would be stuck with a wasting disease. Each day, his lustre would wane and eventually he would disappear forever. Chandra was worried and went to Guru. Guru informed Chandran that you are afflicted with this disease because of your presence at Daksha Yaga. Also, informed that only Lord Shiva could absolve your sin. He advised Chandra to visit earth and worship Lord Shiva in Amra Vanam continuously for 15 days on the northern banks of Cauvery River. As instructed, Chandran worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva along with his consort, Uchista Ganapathy with his consort and Lord Vishnu appeared before him and blessed Lord Chandran. He also asked a boon to Lord Shiva that whomever worship here in Monday shall be blessed with happy life. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Chandra wishes. Sage Kalva and Navagrahas worshipped Lord Shiva here: As per legend, Sage Kalva and Navagrahas were afflicted by leprosy. They worshipped Lord Shiva for cure from the disease. Lord Shiva instructed them to go to Thirumandurai and perform Pooja to him in this Temple, situated in the forest infested with Vellerukku plant. Further, he insisted them to take bath in Chandra Theertham for 15 days. They followed Lord instruction and got relief from leprosy. Drought in Devaloka: Once, Devaloka was facing severe drought. To eradicate the situation, Indra and Varuna came here and worshipped Lord Shiva for reprieve. The drought was eradicated with the blessings of Lord Shiva. Pancha Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Pancha Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile.

Beliefs

The Temple is considered as Chandra Parihara Sthalam, Rohini Parihara Sthalam and Viruchika Parihara Sthalam. Devotees pray here for cure from leprosy and for good mental and physical health.

Special Features

The Temple is considered as Chandran Parihara Sthalam and also Parihara Sthalam for Rohini starrers and Vrichikam Rasi. The Temple is considered as part of Saptha Sthana Temples of Kanjanur. Theertham associated with the temple are Chandra Theertham and Surya Theertham. Chandran Theertham is a well looks like crescent moon in shape. When the moon in Ascension, the water level in the well increases and when the moon in descension, the water level in the well decreases.