Tiruchuzhi Sir Thirumeninathar Temple, Virudhunagar

Address

Tiruchuzhi Sri Tirumeninathar Temple, Tiruchuzhi Taluk, Virudunagar District – 626129 PH:04566-282644

Diety

Tirumeninathar, Amman: Thunai malai ammai

Introduction

Thirumeninathar temple (also called Boominathar temple or Tiruchuli temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirumeninathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thunaimalaiyammai Amman. The temple is located on the Virudhunagar – Manamadurai road. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely associated with Sundarar, who has sung praises about the presiding deity. This shrine is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamil Nadu. This temple is located 55 km from Madurai. The nearest town Aruppukottai is about 15 km away from this temple. The temple spans an area of about 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2). There are several shrines and water bodies within this temple complex and around it. Thala Virutcham : Arasu, Punnai trees Theertham : Bagavari River (Kundaru), Kavvaikadal opposite the Temple, also called Olipunari

Puranic Significance

The Dinakareswara Lingam was worshipped by the Sun, according to the legends associated with this temple. Parvati is said to have meditated upon Shiva, seeking his hand in marriage; this event is commemorated in the Amman Tapas Utsavam in the month of Aadi for 10 days each year. The place is believed to have been the one where Shiva diverted the floods away from the place during the great deluge. Since Shiva swirled floods here, the place came to be known as Tiruchuli (Chuli Tamil means swirl). Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is believed to have visited this temple with the Chera King Cheramaan Perumal. Shiva appeared in the dreams of Sundarar while he was staying at this place in a Mutt. He appeared as a young individual with a golden bouquet in his hand and a swirl in his head. The presiding deity is believed to have been worshipped by Vishnu, Indra, Brahma, Sun, Bhoomidevi, sage Gowthama, Agaliga, Kanva, Arjuna, Chitrangadai and Cheraman Perumal. Tiruchli is the birthplace of Ramana Maharishi, a prominent Saivite saint.

Beliefs

Those facing delays in marriage, pray to Lord and Mother in their wedding posture…

Special Features

The Shiva and Ambal shrines both face the East. The presiding deity lord Shiva is called as Tirumeni Nathar, Bhoominathar and the his consort Parvathy is called as Tunaimaalainayaki. The presiding deity Thirueninathar is housed in the sanctum that has a moat surrounding it. The image of Thirumeninathar is in the form of a square-shaped Linga. Lord Shiva in the temple is swayambumurthi.

Festivals

Purattasi Navarathri in September-October; Aavani Moolam in August-September; Chithirai Vishu the Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14; Mondays of Karthikai in NovemberDecember; Aadi Thapasu in July-August; Thaipoosam in January-February and Panguni Brahmmotsavam with Wedding festival and car festival in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple