Manamthavizhnthaputhur Sokkanatheeswarar Temple- Cuddalore

Address

Manamthavizhnthaputhur Sokkanatheeswarar Temple- Manamthavizhnthaputhur, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District – 607101. Ph: +91 9751988901, 9047261148

Diety

Sokkanatheeswarar Amman: Meenakshi Ambal

Introduction

• Location: The Sri Manamthavizhnthaputhur Temple, originally known as Puthur, is located 23 km from Vizhupuram and 9 km from Panruti on the Vizhupuram-Panruti road. The village and temple are closely associated with the legendary incident of Saint Sundarar, whose wedding was stopped by Lord Shiva, leading to the name Manam Thavirtha Puthur (meaning “the place where the wedding was stopped”).
• Association with Sundarar: The temple holds a significant place in the history of Sundarar, one of the four revered Saivite saints. A sculpture above the Avudayar Sannidhi depicts the scene where Lord Shiva interrupted Sundarar’s wedding. It is said that Sage Agasthya also worshipped at this temple.

Puranic Significance:

• Story of Sundarar: Sundarar was born in 807 AD to Sadaya Nayanar and Isai Gnaniar, named Nambi Arooran at birth. His foster father, King Narasinga Munai Arayar, arranged his wedding to Kamalagnana Poongothai, the daughter of Sadangavi Shivachariar of Puthur. On the day of the wedding, an old man (Lord Shiva in disguise) disrupted the ceremony, claiming Sundarar’s ancestors were his slaves, and Sundarar could not marry without his permission.
• Sundarar’s Hymns: After initially refusing to accept the old man’s claims, Sundarar was taken to Tiruvennai Nallur, where the case was heard. Sundarar lost the case and realized the old man was none other than Lord Shiva. Overwhelmed, he composed his first hymn, beginning with the word “Pitha” (meaning “mad one”), which he had used to address the Lord earlier.
• Destiny of the Bride: The bride, Kamalagnana Poongothai, followed Lord Shiva’s advice, performed penance, and eventually attained liberation. She was later born as Paravi Nachiar and Sangili Nachiar, who married Sundarar with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Beliefs:

• Relief from Delays in Marriage: Devotees visit the temple seeking relief from delays in marriage proposals and for a harmonious married life. Special pujas are conducted on Mondays to help devotees in these matters.
• Abhishek and Offerings: Devotees perform abishek (sacred bathing) to Lord Shiva and Mother Meenakshi, and offer new vastras (clothes) to receive the Lord’s blessings.

Special Features:

• West-Facing Lord Shiva: The unique feature of the temple is that Lord Shiva faces west from the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the shrine are the deities Durga, Brahma, and Lingodhbava. The Lion Vahan (vehicle) of the Goddess is stationed in front of Amman’s shrine, with the Balipeeta (sacrificial altar) behind it.
• Celestial Alignment: It is said that Lord Kala Bhairava and the planet Sun align on a straight line, as do the planet Chandra (Moon) and other celestial bodies, making this temple special for astrological beliefs.

Festivals:

• Somavara Pooja: Somavara Pooja (Monday worship) is a significant weekly ritual at this temple, drawing large numbers of devotees. It is believed that performing rituals on this day is especially auspicious for resolving issues related to marriage and other personal challenges.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Manamthavirthaputhur

Nearest Railway Station

Panruti

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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