Vijayanarayanam Manonmaneesar Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Vijayanarayanam,

Thirunelveli District – 627 119

Mobile: +91 98421 93453 / 99629 19933

Moolavar

Manonmaneesar

Amman

Manonmaneeswari / Shivakami

Introduction

The Manonmaneesar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Vijayanarayanam, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

Temple Features:

The temple is renowned for its Pournami Girivalam, which is the ritual of circumambulating the temple on Pournami (full moon) days.
It is a place of historical and religious significance, and the temple features beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Manonmaneeswarar.
Goddess Sivakami Ammai, also referred to as Manonmaneeswari, is the consort of Lord Shiva.

Legend and Significance:

The temple holds historical importance as it is believed to be one of the 1008 Shiva Kshetrams, where Mother Parvathi scattered 1008 lotus flowers on Earth, and wherever the flowers touched the ground, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Lingam to bless devotees.
The name “Vijayanarayanam” is associated with the legend of Arjuna (Vijayan), who visited this place on the advice of Sage Vyasa to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for victory in a war. Arjuna’s victory in the battle led to the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the settlement of 1008 Brahmanas in the village. Hence, the name “Vijayanarayanam” is derived from Arjuna and Lord Vishnu.
The temple is also known for its Pournami Girivalam, where devotees circumambulate the temple on Pournami (full moon) days.

Pancha Manonmaneeswaram:

The name “Pancha Manonmaneeswaram” is attributed to the fact that this temple has “Manonmani” as a prefix in various aspects, including the presiding deity, mother, temple tank, vimanam, and the place itself.

Temple Inscription:

An inscription dating to the 17th year of Pandya King Sadaiyan Maran is found on the south wall of the temple. It records a financial gift made to the deity Karrali-Perumanadigal in the Manomaya-Isvaram temple. The inscription also mentions the investment of this amount by the Perunguri-sabha of the village for the purchase of land.

The Manonmaneesar Temple is a place of religious and historical significance, where devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and perform special rituals such as Girivalam.