Thirumarugal Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Diety: Manikkavannar/ Rathnagiriswarar Amman: Vanduvar kuzhali
Temple Address: Thirumarugal Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal, Tiruvalaputhur, Nagapattinam district-609 205 PH:04366-270073
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

Rathnagiriswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, located in Thirumarugal. It is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where two of the most revered Nayanars. Thirumarugal derived its name from a plantain named Marugal, a type of banana tree found inside the northern-side of the Rathnagiriswarar temple since time immemorial. The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram and a large campus. The sanctum has an elevated structure. The temple tank is right in front of the temple. Rathinagiri is about 13 km from Vellore towards Chennai and is famous for the Murugan temple on a hillock. There are 130 steps to the hillock top. Saint Arunagirinadhar had sung Thiruppugazh on this temple. The temple belonging to the 14th century was under dilapidated conditions a few decades back and with the efforts of Sri Swami Balamugan Adimai, the temple is now restored to its full glory with fantastic sculptural works, big mandapams etc., to the extent of people calling this as the 7th Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga.Presiding Deity is called as Rathnagiriswarar / Maanikkavannar and Mother is called as Vanduvar Kuzhali / Aamodhalanayagi. This Temple is considered as one of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola Emperor.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be built in 3rd Century CE. It is believed that this temple is considered as one of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola Emperor. The temple was reconstructed in granite by the Later Cholas and extensively renovated by Nayak Kings and Maratha rulers. There is also an inscription of King Serfoji of Thanjavur belonging to 1882 CE which talks about a grant of 400 sovereigns made to the temple. According to the legend, when Sambandar visited this temple, he found a young woman crying in front of the temple. When Sambandar went near her to know the reason for her crying, he found a young man lying dead. He came to know from the woman that she and the young man had decided to marry against the wishes of their parents and came to the temple to marry in front of Lord Shiva and spent the previous night inside the temple. But unfortunately before they could get married, the bridegroom died due to a snake bite. Deeply hurt by the pathetic condition of the young woman, Sambandar composed a Pathigam to Lord Shiva of this temple. To the surpirse and joy of all, the dead young man awakened as is nothing had happened to him. The young woman and the young man got married at this Shivasthalam with god Shiva as a witness to their marriage.

Special Features

It is the 143rd shrine out of the 274 shrines to receive the devotional song of Lord Shiva. This is the 80th place on the south bank of the Thevara song Cauvery. Since the snake does not touch the worshipers of the temple, those who are afflicted with insects, venomous animals or are afraid to worship at the temple benefit from the fear. Also, people suffering from chronic fever and physical ailments can worship Ganesha here to get rid of their problems. Immerse yourself in the Lakshmi Tirtha on the day of Varalakshmi fasting and if you visit Manikkavannar the next day, you will get rid of the debt problem. Italic devotees say that wealth will increase. The separated couple reunite after bathing in the Lakshmi Theertham. Those who worship Ithalattu Moolavar Manikkavannara will get peace of mind by removing grief. They also pray for the blessings of marriage and the blessings of children. They also pray for employment, career advancement, and promotion. Marriage seekers recite the Gayatri Sagasramam (Thousand and Eight Mantras). Sari making, anointing and sandalwood making for Ambal are the main rituals of the devotees. Swami can wear a robe. Can be anointed with mango, turmeric powder, liquid powder, balm, milk, yoghurt, vibudhi, rose water, young water, panchamirtham, lemon, honey and sandalwood. You can make offerings and distribute offerings to the devotees. Apart from regular anointing worships, facilities can be provided for the restoration of the temple.

Festivals

Chithirai Month – Chithirai Paruva Utsavam – 10 days – Prammorsavam – Twice a day every morning and evening on Swami Veediula – the seventh day of the festival called Chettipen Kalyanam. -Tenth day Tirthwari – This is a special ceremony held at Italam. Apart from this, in the month of Avani, Varalakshmi and Varadaraja Perumal will get up in the Kamala vehicle on the fast of Varalakshmi and give theertham in the Ilakumi Theertham. This festival is also celebrated here. Kanda Sashti, Visakam and Anithirumanjanam are special in this place. This place is very special for every Tamil month. Devotees throng the temple during the monthly Pradosa days. Deepavali Pongal, the special day of the yearSpecial anointing ceremonies will be held at the temple during the Tamil and English New Year.