Sri Vishamangaleshwarar Temple, Thudaiyur

Address

Sri Vishamangaleshwarar Temple, Thudaiyur district, Trichy – 621213

Diety

Vishamangaleswarar / Kadambavaneswarar Amman: Veeramangaleswari

Introduction

Vishamangaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thudaiyur Village near Tiruvasi in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vishamangaleswarar / Kadambavaneswarar. Mother is called as Veeramangaleswari. Thudaiyur is also called as Thodaiyur. This Temple finds a place in Appar’s Thevaram. Hence it is also considered as Thevara Vaipu Sthalam. The Lingam is a Swayambumurthy facing east. Mother is called as Veeramangaleswari / Mangalanayahi and is facing south. The presiding deity is facing east, while the goddess is facing south. In the inner prakara shrines of Vinayaka, Subramania and Saraswati are found. On either side of the garbhagriha, Dvarapalas are found. The shrine of the goddess is found in the mahamandapa. While entering into the temple Vishnu could be see with his consorts, in sitting portion, with four hands, having a prayoka chakra in his left hand. Generally Chandra and Surya are found facing the presiding deity, on either side in all Shiva temple. But in this temple, in that place Vishnu is found with his consorts, which is a rare one. Surya is called as Surya Narayana in this temple. While going around the temple, in the south kosta, Dakshinamurthy is found. He is also known as Thikasandala Veena Dakshinamurti. In Lalgudi Saptharishishwarar Temple this type of Dakshinamurti is found. In the kosta of the rear side garbagriha, Shiva in the form of Alinganamurti is found. His right hand is in chin mudra, while left hand is hugging Parvati.

Puranic Significance

As per the temple legend, Achala Nisumithra Maharishi prays here even today. When we enter the main shrine, we find Mahavishnu giving darshan with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. This is the place in Shiva temples for Surya and Chandra. . We find Dakshinamurthy in the prakaram. Here He is called Digichandana Veena Dakshinamurthy and He is having the Veena called Digichandana in his hands, like the one in Lalgudi temple. This idol is beautifully carved. Another unique shrine in the prakaram ( behind the main shrine ) is Uma Aalingana Murthy ( Kalyana Sundareswarar ) in which Shiva shows the Chinmudra with his right hand, embracing Parvathi with the left hand, with His big toe slightly above Ambal’s foot. This is a very unique idol. Worshipping this Lord will give the boon of child for the childless couple. Ambal is worshipped with Red Arali ( Ghanera in Hindi ) on Tuesdays by those who are having problem with Mars ( sevvai ) in their horoscopes. All the main gods appear with their spouses- Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Subramanyar with Valli and Devasena, Lakshmi Narayanar, Sun with Usha Devi and Kalyana Sundareswarar. Hence it is believed that this is another kshetram where marriage proposals are expedited. There is a village deity called Vadha Muni who is present in a stone a little away from the temple. Special prayers are offered to Him on Tuesday, Friday, Ashtami and Full moon days and the oil used for His Abhishekam is offered as Prasadam which is believed to cure lot of diseases It is believed that people in this place do not suffer from any poisonous bites. Hence this place is called as Visham Theenda Pathi. The Lord is called Visha (poison) Mangaleswarar (one who gives Mangalam, prosperity, happiness, wellbeing) as he had consumed the Alakala Poison coming out of the sea when it was churned. Sahadevan, one of the Pandavas, was believed to have prayed here and became an expert in astrology. Banumathi, wife of Duryodhana, had also prayed here. As per the temple legend, Achala Nisumithra Maharishi prays here even today. This is said to be a sacred place because sages of ancient times performed meditation here to win the grace of Lord Shiva. The tomb of one such sage, Vaathakkal munivar, is situatednear the temple

Beliefs

It is believed that worshipping the Lord here for 8 Fridays continuously with lighting ghee lamp improves physical beauty of a person. Lord Siva’s consort is called as Mangala Nayagi here with four hands in standing posture facing south. Worshipping her continuously for nine Tuesdays during Rahu Kaalam lighting ghee lamp in lemon provides relief from impediments, diseases and poverty, according to popular belief. The Ambal sannidhi is small and has a tall Ambal Mangalambikai. Ambal is worshipped with Red Arali on Tuesdays by those who are having problem with Mars (Sevvai) in their horoscopes. All the main gods appear with their spouses – Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Subramanyar with Valli and Devasena, Lakshmi Narayanar, Sun with Usha Devi and Kalyana Sundareswarar. Hence it is believed that this is another Kshetram where marriage proposals are expedited. who can be worshipped by offering white flower garlands. Ideal days to worship at this temple are Thursdays, New moon and Full moon days. Devotees believe that the Oil offering has medicinal powers and cures bone joint ailmentsand stomach aches.

Special Features

This Thevara Vaipu Sthalam is a small temple and has lots of special significances. There is a big snake pit before we enter the temple and the place is also known as Visham Theenda Pathi, meaning poison has no effect here. The speciality is Abhishekam to Dakshinamurthy and Saraswathy with honey which is sold in the temple. The honey is to be consumed early morning for success in studies. Durga is Vishnu Durgai on lotus peetam with Agni in hand. Thadangam of Durgai is different here. The Saraswathy here is in Dhyana posture with no veena she is housed as Koshta Vigraha instead of a Vinayaka. This place has a Kalyana Utsavam for Brahma and Saraswathy, a very unique festival. Another unique shrine in the prakaram (behind the main shrine) is Uma Aalingana Murthy (Kalyana Sundareswarar) in which Shiva shows the Chin mudra with his right hand, embracing Parvathi with the left hand, with his big toe slightly above Ambal’s foot. This is a very unique idol. Worshipping this Lord will give the boon of child for the childless couple. The presiding deity is also known as Kadambavanesvarar and the Goddess as Veeramangalesvari. It is said that while Devas and asuras were churning the milky ocean, Shiva kept the poison which came from it and saved the world. So the presiding deity is known as Vishamangalesvarar. One of the Panchapandavas, Sahadeva worshipped the deity. Banumathy, wife of Duryodhana also worshipped here. It is believed that till date Asala Nisumithra Mahirisi is worshipping the deity.