Mannargudi Jayamkonda Nathar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Mannargudi Jayamkonda Nathar Temple, Mannargudi Thiruvarur District – 614014

Diety

Jayamkonda Nathar Amman: Periya Nayagi

Introduction

Jayamkonda Nathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mannargudi Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is located in Rampuram. Presiding Deity is called as Jayamkonda Nathar and Mother is called as Periya Nayagi Amman. Rajarajeswaram and Vysapuram are the other names of this place.

Puranic Significance

Rajathi Rajan the eldest son of Gangaikonda Cholan was ruling this place during the years 1018- 1054. He constructed this temple in memory of his victory with Western Chalukyas. Thirattupal: During the Thirattupal festival celebrated on the Rohini star day in May-June is one of connecting Lord Shiva and Vishnu worship as one. This sweet preparation is taken from this temple to Lord Rajagopalaswamy temple. The story goes that Gopralayar and Gopilar saw Lord Vishnu playing with Gopikas – called Jalakreeda. Lord Jayamkondanathar felt that Vishnu may be tired after the play. He sent this Thirattupal made of cow milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom and such other ingredients to relax. This is a very important festival in Jayamkonda Nathar Temple. Besides Jayamkonda Nathar the presiding deity, there is Vyasalinga in a separate shrine with Sage Narada on the left and Lord Vishnu behind. The Thirattupal is first placed in this shrine and taken on an elephant to Lord Rajagopalaswamy temple. This is then distributed to the devotees. The festival is continued now after some breaks in the past. Prayers of Chola Kings: Chola king won many battles during their rule only after submission of their prayers at feet of lord Shiva of this temple, according to historical facts. Sage Vyasa installed the lingam. It was believed that Sage Vyasa installed the lingam in the temple.

Beliefs

People pray to Lord for health, longevity and relief from fear and enemy threats. Devotees offer Thirattupal and rice Nivedhana to Lord and Mother.

Special Features

The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram with spacious prakaram. There is a Vinayagar Shrine at the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Jayamkonda Nathar and Mother is called as Periya Nayagi Amman. Besides Jayamkonda Nathar the presiding deity, there is Vyasalinga in a separate shrine with Sage Narada on the left and Lord Vishnu behind. Vinayaga, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols in Sanctum wall. There are shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Anantha Valli, Bhairavar, Navagraha and Sanai Saran Idols in this Temple. There is a stage in front of Vyasa Linga Shrine. Three Lingams, Vinayagar, Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, Mahalakshmi and Nagars are placed in this stage.

Festivals

Thirattupal Thiruvizha: Thirattupal Thiruvizha is grandly celebrated in the temple. Thirattupal is a sweet preparation made of milk and sugar. The full moon day in Aadi month – July-August is a day considered important for Lord Shiva. Thirattupal abishek is dedicated to Lord this day. The puja following this abishek is performed with particular flowers as Oomathai, Karuneidhal which brings great benefits to the devotees. After a fasting, people prepare porridge with bamboo rice and milk, offer it as Nivedhana to Lord and consume it for good health. This prayer brings health, longevity and all happiness, it is believed. This festival is celebrated in other Shiva temples also as Sirkali, Thiruvidaimarudur, Vaitheeswaran Koil. Along with Thirattupal, rice and citric fruit – Naratham Pazham in Tamil – are offered as Nivedhana in these temples. People follow this in their houses also.