Thiruvathavur Thirumarainathar Temple, Madurai

Address

Sri Thirumarainathar Temple, Thiruvathavur, Madurai District – 625 122 Phone: +91452 – 234 4360, 6382680960

Diety

Thirumarainathar / Vedhanathar / Vedapureeswarar Amman: Aranavalliammai / Vedha Nayagi

Introduction

The Thirumarainathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant and ancient religious site located in Thiruvathavur near Melur in the Madurai District of Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Thirumarainathar, Vedhanathar, or Vedapureeswarar. The temple also houses the divine presence of the Goddess, known as Aranavalliammai or Vedha Nayagi.
Location: Situated on the northern banks of the Vaigai River, the temple offers a serene and picturesque setting for devotees.
Historical Significance: The temple boasts a rich history and is believed to be almost 1,000 years old. It holds cultural and spiritual significance due to its age and associations with various legends.
Mythological and Historical Legends:
- Vedhanathar: According to legend, when Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, a musical Shruthi called Vethaham emanated from Lord Shiva’s foot anklet. This earned Lord Shiva the name Vedhanathar.
- Lord Sani’s Relief: Lord Sani Bhagavan (Planet Saturn) is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple to gain relief from muscle pain. As a result, the temple is considered a place of healing for paralysis and muscle-related ailments.
- Birthplace of Manikavasagar: Thiruvathavur is traditionally considered the birthplace of the renowned Saivite poet Manikavasagar, who is highly regarded for his devotional hymns.
Vedapureeswarar and Aaranavalli Thaayar: It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi Amman transformed into Vedapureeswarar and Aaranavalli Thaayar, respectively, at this sacred site.
Other Significant Events: The temple is associated with various other events, such as the supposed birthplace of Lord Hanuman, relief for sage Kabila from his curse, Lord Kala Bairavar’s relief of his Vahana, and more.
Worship and Rituals: Devotees visit the temple to seek relief from Saturn’s adverse effects, paralysis, and other ailments. Special offerings and rituals are performed at the temple to alleviate these issues.
Beliefs and Prayers: Devotees also believe that visiting the temple three times in subsequent weeks and performing specific procedures, such as Abishekam (ritual anointing), and applying the blessed oil to affected body parts can provide relief for conditions like stroke.
Festivals: The temple celebrates Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam and various other Shiva-related festivals with grand celebrations, drawing devotees from far and wide.

The Thirumarainathar Temple holds immense spiritual significance and historical importance, making it a sacred place of worship and devotion for those seeking blessings and relief from various afflictions.