Veeramangudi Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Veeramangudi Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple,

Veeramangudi,

Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district,

Tamilnadu –613 204

Phone: +91 94435 86453

The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Moolavar

Vajrakandeswarar

Amman

Mangalambikai

Introduction

Veeramangudi Sri Vajrakandeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Veeramangudi village, Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district, Tamilnadu. Here the presiding deity is called as Vajrakandeswarar and Mother is called as Mangalambikai. The temple is said to be more than 500 years old

Puranic Significance

A demon, Vajran by name had a boon that he could be killed only by an ordinary man without any standing in life. He misused this boon and began to harass the Devas in the upper world and defeated them when they fought against him. Responding to the prayers of the Devas, Lord Shiva sent a devotee to the demon. The devotee fought with the demon as a warrior and destroyed him. While dying, the demon realized his arrogance and sought pardon from the Lord. Merciful Lord pardoned him and stayed here itself as begged by the demon. After the name of demon Vajran, the Lord is called Vajrakandeswarar. As the devotee fought with such heroism, the place is named Veeramangudi. Veeram in Tamil means heroism.

Special Features

The nine planets in the Navagraha shrine are installed on a peeta hexagonally designed with their respective Vahans and consorts.

There is no tower for the temple. Mother Mangalambikai graces virgins with assured happy life and for the married longevity to their Mangal Sutras. Mangalam in Tamil or Sanskrit means everything auspicious. Hence, Mother is known as Mangalambikai. Newly wedded couples worship Mother Mangalambikai with Sari, turmeric, yellow threads and things related to Mangalas for a happy married life. Ananda Garudazhwar appears enjoying all bliss for his status as the vehicle of Lord in the shrine of Lord Varadaraja gracing the devotees in the prakara holding His discus, conch and offering all protection showing His Abhayahastha, the symbol of protection. Worshipping Lord Varadaraja ensures all happiness to devotees. The Mango story that made Lord Muruga angry is beautifully sculpted in front of Ambica shrine. The flying of Lord Muruga angrily against His divine parents is very realistic. Mother inviting the son to calm him down also is very realistic. Maharshi Narada, the source of this event in Mount Kailash is nearby. The Navagrahas-nine planets are on a peeta designed hexagonally with their vahans and consorts. As the planets are with their consorts, they will be merciful to the people, it is believed. Sun God occupying the Centre Stage is on a Rath pulled by seven horses. Those doing remedial worships on Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu transit days worship here with vastras and grains on such days and time attributed to these planets. By experience, we can feel the dilution of the intensity of adverse effects by such planet worships.