Thazhamangai Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Thazhamangai)

Address

Thazhamangai Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Thazhamangai,

Papanasam taluk, Thanjavur district,

Tamil Nadu 614206

Moolavar

Chandramouleeswarar

Amman

Sri Raja Rajeswari

Introduction

The Chandramouleeswarar Temple in Thazhamangai, Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, is a significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva

Puranic Significance

The Chandramouleeswarar Temple is believed to be over 1500 years old and is located on the banks of the Kudamurutti River, a distributary of the Cauvery River.
The temple is associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Seven Divine Mothers) and is one of the seven shrines in the Ayyampettai/Pasupathi Koil region dedicated to these deities.
It is particularly associated with Mother Mahendri, one of the Saptha Matrikas.

Origin of the Name “Thazhamangai”:

In earlier times, the area was known as Pavathaayamangalam during the Pallava period and was referred to as Nitha Vinotha Valanattu Kizhar Kutrathu Pavathayamangalam during the Chola period.
This region, including Thazhamangai, was hit by great floods in the Kaveri River during the reign of Sundara Chozhan. While the other villages were washed away, the temple remained untouched.

Legend of Chandramouleeswarar:

According to a local legend, Chandran (the Moon) was afflicted with Daksha’s curse for showing partiality to Rohini among his consorts. As a result, he and his wife sought solace and performed penance in Thazha Vanam (the Screw Pine Forest).
This forest was known to be infested with snakes, and it is believed that the Thazhampoo (Screw Pine flower) was rarely used in the region as it was thought to attract snakes.
The legend tells that Goddess Parvati (Shakti) prayed here for her husband, Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, pleased with her devotion, is said to have taken the crescent moon from his own head and placed it on his forehead. This is why he is called Chandramouleeswarar, Indusekharan, or Chandrasekharan.

Moondram Pirai Darshan:

During the Navaratri festival, it is believed that on the sixth day (Sashti), both Goddess Parvati (Parasakthi) and Mahendri visit the Chandramouleeswarar Temple. This darshan (sacred viewing) is known as Moondram Pirai Darshnam.

Parihara Sthalam for Eye Problems:

The temple is considered a Parihara Sthalam for eye-related problems. Devotees with eye ailments are advised to visit the temple and perform specific rituals, including offering sandal paste to the deity and adorning the Goddess with Thazhampoo.
This ritual is observed on Sundays (for issues related to the right eye) and Mondays (for issues related to the left eye) after maintaining silence (Mouna Vratham).

Unique Temple Features:

The Chandramouleeswarar Temple has a small entrance arch and a single prakaram.
While many Shiva temples face east, this temple is unique in that it faces west.
The temple is also known for the manifestation of the Mother Goddess in her Rajarajeswari form, which is relatively rare.

Deities in the Temple:

The presiding deity is Lord Chandramouleeswarar, and the divine consort is Sri Raja Rajeswari.
There are also Nandi (the sacred bull of Shiva) and a Balipeedam (a stone altar for offerings) in front of the sanctum.

Beliefs

Regular worship at the Chandramouleeswarar Temple, especially on specific days like Tuesdays and Fridays, along with the night of the darshan of the third phase of the crescent moon, is believed to bring peace and tranquility to families. This temple is associated with Lord Shiva and has historical significance, making it a sacred place for devotees seeking blessings for harmony and well-being in their households. The practice of worship and prayer at this temple on these auspicious days is considered a way to seek the divine’s assistance in resolving familial issues and bringing peace to one’s life.

Special Features

Saptha Mangai Sthalams:

The Chandramouleeswarar Temple is one of the seven shrines dedicated to the Saptha Matrikas in the Ayyampettai/Pasupathi Koil region.

Navaratri Worship:

During the nine-day Navaratri festival, it is believed that Mother Parasakthi visits these temples to have darshan of various aspects of Lord Shiva.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January