Manikgramam Thirumeniazhagar Temple- Nagapattinam

Address

Manikgramam Thirumeniazhagar Temple- Manikgramam, Sirkazhli Circle, Nagapattinam District- 601104.

Diety

Thirumeniazhagar Amman: Selandara Devi

Introduction

Manikgramam Thirumeniazhagar Temple is dedicated to lord shiva located in Manikgramam Village, Sirkazhi circle, Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Thirumeniazhagar and Mother is called as Selandara Devi. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar. The temple is managed by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Puranic Significance

The temple inscriptions dates back to the reign of King Vallabharaja of Karnataka. A long time later, a boy was born to the emperor who had no children. The king’s pain increased because the child was dumb and crippled at birth. When the child grew up and became a boy, he had leprosy. Over time, the severity of the disease increased. The boy’s figure changed. The boy was disgusted to see. The king, who was distressed by his son’s disability, is now in deep grief. The king summoned a guard and ordered his son to be taken to prison. According to the king, the guard took the boy to the prison and left. The boy who was left in the forest came to the area called Madangasiramam as he walked from there. There the auspicious Alakeswarar worshiped the Lord in the temple. Stayed there. The priest, who came to the temple for worship, saw the boy daily. One day he gave the anointed Tirtha to the Lord and made him drink it. He drank the anointing oil daily and his illness began to heal. His figure began to change. Began to speak. The paralysis was gone. By the grace of the Lord all his body was removed and he was able to speak and understand. Lord Thirumaniyalagar showed him the story, told him his history, bestowed upon him the armies and strength of chariots, bows, etc., and sent them to his country. He too returned to his country, understood good governance and lived a life of worship without forgetting the Lord. “- Parasara Purana. The area where Manikramadhar used to live with the wealth of the Mani merchant is today known as Manikramam. Manikkiramathars have been trading with other countries by sea for over 2000 years.

Festivals

Special pujas are performed in this temple on Navratri, Shivratri and Mondays. On the third Thursday of the month of Karthika, a special anointing and worship service is held for Dakshinamoorthy at the temple.