Mannargudi Annamalai Nathar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mannargudi Annamalai Nathar Temple, Annamalai nathar Road, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur district- 614001.

Deity

Annamalai Nathar Amman: Abitha Kujalambal

Introduction

• Location: Mannargudi Town, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Annamalai Nathar
  • Mother: Abitha Kujalambal
• Age: The temple is believed to be 1,000 years old.
• Accessibility:
  • Approximately 14 km from Needamangalam and 29 km from Thiruvarur.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Mannargudi
  • Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)

Puranic Significance

The Annamalai Nathar Temple has rich historical and cultural significance, tracing its roots back to the Chola dynasty:

• Historical Context:
  • There are two prominent places named Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu: one in Thiruvarur (also known as Raja Mannargudi) and another in Cuddalore district (known as Kaatu Mannargudi). During the Chola period, these places were referred to as Mannarkoil.
  • The name Mannargudi comes from the Telugu word “Gudi,” meaning temple.
  • Raja Mannargudi was historically known as Rajadhiraja Chadurvedi Mangalam during Chola times, with inscriptions from Kulothunga Chola mentioning the place as Suthavalli valanaatu pradeyam thaniyur Rajadhiraja Chadurvedi Mangalam.
• Location and Structure:
  • The temple is located to the west of the Rajagopalaswamy Temple in E.B Nagar, along the Thanjavur Road.
  • It is believed that an ancient Chola palace was nearby, supported by the area’s name, Maaligai Medu.
  • While there are currently seven Shiva temples in Mannargudi, it is believed that there were originally eleven. Three of these temples were constructed during the Chola period, with the Annamalai Nathar Temple built by Rajadhiraja Chola.
  • The temple was historically known as Rajendra Chozha Annamalai Udaiyar Thirukovil according to ancient inscriptions.
• Architectural Features:
  • The temple features an Arthamandapam, Mahamandapam, and Sanctum, all dating back to the Chola period.
  • It boasts a three-tiered Rajagopuram (tower).
  • Nandhi Mandapam and Bali Peedam are located in front of the Mahamandapam, with a Vinayagar Shrine situated to the left of the prakaram (outer courtyard).
  • Other deities represented in the prakaram include Murugan, Jyeshta Devi, Navagrahas, Nagas, Bhairavar, and Saneeswarar.

Festivals

• Masi Magam: The temple celebrates all major Shiva-related festivals, with Masi Magam being one of the most prominent, celebrated with great fanfare. This festival typically involves special rituals and gatherings, drawing numerous devotees to the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mannarkudi

Nearest Railway Station

Mannarkudi

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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