Mananthakudi Ekambareswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mananthakudi Ekambareswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Mananthakudi – 609 503,

Thiruvarur District

Phone: +91 – 4366 239389         

The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

Moolavar

Ekambareswarar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

Ekambareswarar Temple is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Mananthakudi Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Ekambareswarar, while the Utsavar deity is Chandrasekharar. The consort of the Lord, the divine Mother, is Kamakshi. The temple’s sacred water body is known as Hanuman Theertham. It is situated approximately 6 km from Poonthottam, 25 km from Thiruvarur, and 127 km from Trichy. The nearest railway station is at Poonthottam, and the closest airport is located in Trichy.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, a devotee named Kaarthaveeriyan was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. During one of his Shiva poojas, Anjaneya (Hanuman) inadvertently disturbed his worship, provoking the devotee’s anger. Kaarthaveeriyan cursed Anjaneya, who later realized his mistake and sought forgiveness. To atone for his actions, Anjaneya visited this sacred place, installed a Shivalingam, and performed intense worship. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva, accompanied by Goddess Kamakshi, appeared before Anjaneya and relieved him of the curse. Overjoyed, Anjaneya danced in divine bliss, leading to the place being named ‘Anuman Aanandakudi,’ which was later shortened to ‘Maanandakudi.’

Special Features

1. Ancient Temple: The temple is over 1,000 years old and showcases significant historical and spiritual importance.
2. Unique Shrines:
   • Lord Shiva, who appeared before Anjaneya, is worshipped as Ekambareswarar, while Kamakshi Ambal resides in a separate sanctum facing south.
   • A distinct shrine for Anjaneya, revered as Mangala Anjaneyar, is believed to bestow all forms of welfare and blessings.
   • Dakshinamurthy is enshrined with his four disciples (Sanakar, Sananthanar, Sanaathanar, and Sanathkumaarar) and the Saptarishis in his peetam. This rare depiction also includes Nandi in attendance.
3. Navagraha Shrine:
   • The Navagrahas, along with their spouses, are depicted in seated postures, each with a separate Thiruvaachi (decorative arch). This representation is considered highly significant.
   • It is believed that Anjaneya, having tied the Navagrahas with his tail, keeps them under his direct gaze, relieving devotees of planetary afflictions (Grahadosha) and serpent curses (Naagadosham). Devotees offer husk coconuts in Anjaneya’s sanctum and install Naagar statues for relief.
4. Rare Idumban Shrine:
   • Unlike the usual depiction of Lingodhbava behind Lord Shiva’s sanctum, Idumban is seen here, standing ready to serve Lord Subramanya. Opposite Idumban is a shrine for Lord Subramanya.

Additional shrines in the temple include Karpaga Vinayakar, Mahalakshmi, and Mariamman.

Beliefs

• Forgiveness for Mistakes: The temple is a refuge for those seeking relief from unintentional wrongdoings, offering solace and peace of mind.
• Planetary Afflictions: Devotees with planetary or astrological curses perform rituals, such as tying husk coconuts or worshipping the Navagrahas, for relief.
• Special Offerings: Donating new clothes to Goddess Kamakshi and performing special poojas are believed to bring divine blessings.

Festivals

• Full Moon Day in Chithirai (April–May): A grand celebration.
• Hanuman Jayanthi: Dedicated to Lord Anjaneya.
• Aadi Fridays (July–August): Celebrated with great fervor.
• Thiru Karthikai (November–December): A significant festival in honor of Lord Shiva.

References: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/06/ekambareswarar-temple-mananthakudi.html

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Mananthakudi

Nearest Railway Station

Poonthottam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple