Manjakollai Gnanalingeswarar Shiva Temple (Kumaran Temple), Nagapattinam

Address

Manjakollai Gnanalingeswarar Shiva Temple (Kumaran Temple), Nagapattinam

Manjakollai, Nagai circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 611106

Moolavar

Gnanalingeswarar

Amman

Gnanavalli

Introduction

• The Manjakollai Gnanalingeswarar (Kumaran) Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Manjakollai village, part of the Nagai circle in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is situated two kilometers west of Nagapattinam, and the area is also known as Kumarankovil, particularly famous for its celebration of the Kandashasti festival.
• The Presiding Deity is Gnanalingeshwarar, while the Mother Goddess is Gnanavalli. The temple is known as Kumaran Kovil due to its association with Lord Muruga, often considered the source of Lord Gnanalingam’s power.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is deeply rooted in Puranic legends:
  • Once in Devaloka, during a grand dance performance by Thilothamma, Brahma fell in love with her and expressed his desire to marry her. Thilothamma rejected his advances, asserting that he was like her father. Enraged, Brahma cursed her to be born as a maiden on earth.
  • In retaliation, Thilothamma cursed Brahma, declaring that there would be no temple dedicated to him on earth. Both were thus cursed.
  • Thilothamma later appeared in Dasikulam, Kancheepuram, but lost her beauty due to the curse. Seeking salvation, she traveled and worshipped at many temples before arriving at Manjakollai, known as Kungkumaranyam.
  • On a Sunday in the month of Karthika, she bathed in the Gnana Theertha (sacred water) and visited Lord Gnanalinga. Her curse was lifted, and her beauty was restored, although Brahma’s curse remained as he did not worship Lord Shiva’s linga.

Special Features:

• Lord Shiva’s Spark: According to the Puranas, one of the sparks emanating from Lord Shiva’s face is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Muruga, making the temple a significant site for Murugan worship.
• Age: The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.
• Temple Structure:
  • The temple faces east, with the main entrance along the main road. Unlike many temples, it does not have a Rajagopuram (grand entrance tower) in the front. Instead, there is a large hall at the front of the temple, followed by a gate with a small Rajagopuram.
  • The Lord Gnanalingeshwarar sanctum is located in the east, with the Mother Goddess Gnanavalli placed in the south. Directly opposite the Lord’s sanctum is Nandi, the divine bull.
  • The temple also features Vetri Velayudaswami (Lord Muruga) with Valli-Theivanai and Dakshinamurthy in the koshta (outer walls of the sanctum).
  • Other deities enshrined include:
    • Moolaganapati (Lord Ganesha)
    • Poiyamozhivinayakar
    • Jamatakini Munivar
    • Mahalakshmi
    • Chandi Keswarar (Lord Shiva in his fierce form)
    • Navagraha (Nine Planets) in the northeast
    • Bhairava, Sun, and Moon in the south.
• Sacred Trees and Water Bodies:
  • The main tree of the temple is the Vilva tree, which is sacred to Lord Shiva.
  • There are two large ponds located on the west and south sides of the temple, adding to its sacredness and beauty.

Festivals:

• The Kandashasti festival is the most important event at this temple, attracting a large number of devotees, especially those who wish to honor Lord Muruga and seek his blessings for protection and prosperity.

“With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.

Century/Period

1500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Manjakollai

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple