Thondi Chidambareswarar Temple, Ramanathapuram

Address

Thondi Chidambareswarar Temple, Ramanathapuram

Thondi,

Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu – 623409

Moolavar

Chidambareswarar

Amman

Sivagami Ambal

Introduction

• Location: Thondi Town, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Primary Deity: Chidambarewarar (Lord Shiva).
• Mother Deity: Sivagami Ambal.
• The temple is managed by Ramanathapuram Devasthanam and has direct bus services from Ramanathapuram, Thiruvadanai, Madurai, Aranthangi, and Devakottai.

Puranic Significance:

• The place was historically known as Bavithramanikam, named after a dancing monk named Bavithramanikam who had great influence in the region.
• The town was part of the Kela Simbil Nadu division during medieval times and has been known as Thondi since the Sangam period.
• Legend: Shiva and Parvati were once traveling through the sky and were mesmerized by the beauty of this place. They descended and rested here, marking the spot where the temple was later built.
• Although the temple lacks inscriptions, it is believed to have been constructed during the Pandya period based on its architectural style.
• The temple is over 1500 years old.

Beliefs:

• The twin Ganesha sanctum in the northern circle is especially popular. Devotees pray here for the removal of marriage obstacles and blessings for children. It is believed that wishes made here are granted within a few weeks.

Special Features:

• The temple faces east. Upon entering through the main gate, the following structures are visible:
  • Eastern Circle: Flagpole, altar, Nandi Devar Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam.
  • Sivagami Ambal Sannidhi (Mother Goddess) is located to the right of the Mukha Mandapam and faces south.
  • The temple features a three-tiered Rajagopuram.
  • Abhishekam for Ambal is performed on full moon days.
  • There is an Anuknaya Vinayaka at the gate of the Maha Mandapam and an Anandak Koothan Nataraja on the north side of the Maha Mandapam.
  • Arudra Darshan: On this day, Lord Nataraja’s anointing rituals are performed, and the Thiruveedi Ahrazal Vaipavam takes place.
  • Chidambarewarar (Lord Shiva) resides in the sanctum, and devotees believe that bowing at His feet brings good results.
• Goshta Shrines: Dakshinamurthy, Annamalaiyar, Brahma, and Durga are enshrined here.
• In the southern Siddhi, there is a palm tree growing like an umbrella over Lord Ganesha.
• Shrines:
  • Western Circle: Shrines for Kannimula Ganapati, Valli Deivanai Sametha Subramanyar.
  • Northern Circle: Shrines for Chandikeswarar, Navagraha, Tirthakinaru, Kalabairavar, Shaniswarar, Chandran, and Surya.

Festivals:

• Daily Worship: Four pujas are performed every day.
• Special Worships:
  • Pradosha Worship.
  • Ashtami Worship to Bhairava.
  • Pradosha Worship to Nandeeswarar.
• Notable Festivals:
  • Aippasi Annabishekam.
  • 108 Sangabishekam during Kartikai (Nov-Dec).
  • Kartikai Maha Deepam.
  • Margazhi Day Tirupalli Usurchi.
  • Thai Pongal (Jan).
  • Mahashivaratri (Feb-Mar).

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thondi

Nearest Railway Station

Devakottai Rastha

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

lightuptemple