Manur Perudaiyar Temple – Dindigul

Address

Manur, Dindigul district,

Tamil Nadu – 624 615.

Phone: +91- 4545 – 242 551

Moolavar

Peria Avudayar – Pragadeeswarar

Introduction

Peru-Udayar (called Periya Avudaiyar Kovil) is located in the Manur village, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. The deity here is a swayambu linga (naturally formed lingam) and so, local belief is that it existed even before Bhogar. Only male gods are found in the temple. A majestic figure of Dakshinamurti, a rare Rudran and other gracious images in stone, and as also the 16 old inscriptions.

Puranic Significance

Temple for Perianayaki was built during the period of Naicker rule. Shiva temple was built by King Virada who was fond of hunting. Lord appeared before the king as a beautiful deer. King wanted to have it but could not as it evaded his attempts and hid finally behind a bush in the shape of a Shivalinga. Frustrated king shot an arrow on the bush which began to bleed. He found the Shivalinga and begged Lord’s pardon. Lord smiled and told him that it was a play for him. The king built the temple. As the King chased the deer (Maan in Tamil), the place came to be known as Manur. The arrow scar on the Linga would be visible during abhisheks.

After the departure of Lord Muruga from Mount Kailash on the Mango competition issue (a popular story known to all) despite the convincing efforts of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi, they came to this place to take back their Son. Lord Shiva, who landed here with Mother, was pleased with the scenic beauty of the place and decided to stay here itself. Mother Parvathi sought the permission of Lord to see Lord Muruga in Palani. Lord agreed. Attached to Son and unwilling to leave Lord alone, Mother left the place. Lord too had a similar mind. As both were unwilling to separate from each other, they were named Piria Nayaki and Piriya Vidayar representing their unwillingness. As Lord was thus left alone, there is no shrine for Mother in the temple. Moreover, as the philosophy goes that Shiva and Shakti are but one, worshipping Shiva includes worshipping Shakti too. The significance of the temple is that it is facing west and that the stage of Lord is square in shape against the traditional round. The place is noted for its three attributes – Murthy greatness of Lord, Sthala and Theertha-sacredness of the soil and the theertha the spring. River Shanmuga flows northward. A dip in the river and Shiva worship cleanses the soul from the sins committed in 49 births – 7 x 7 Ezhu Ezhu in Tamil. To reap the full benefit of Muruga worship in Palani hill, the devotee should bathe in the river and worship Lord Shiva first, according to tradition. The other significance is the Pradoshamurthy usually with four hands along with Ambica in a standing form. Here, He is Thandava Murthy-dancing form. Lord Nataraja is black in body and fair in the face. Mother Sivakami is not with the Lord for reasons explained above. Lords Brahmma and Vishnu, Rudra and Dakshinamurthy join Lord Shiva making the temple graceful.

Beliefs

This is a temple facing west considered very powerful. The Lord is all merciful and it is the staunch faith of the devotees that they would be backed by the Lord however severe their problem be. People pray for a job suiting their qualifications, for developing self-confidence, for happy wedding and child boon, for relief from the curses and anger of ancestors, relief from the threats of enemies, peace of mind, longevity and health. They perform Homas for longevity (Ayush Homa) and Mrutyunja Homa to conquer death. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord.

Special Features

The entrance faces south, and in the east is Vinayagar. This along with the Karupanna Swami belongs to later days. Passing them we enter in and see Bairavar in the circuit facing east. The western circuit commences from this place. Midway in this passage is a way that leads to the river. This shrine is located in a peaceful natural setting. The Puranas speak of it as ‘Kannikara Vanam’. Perhaps that is the reason the Sapta Kannis and Karupanna Swami Keep watch over this places. It is said that this temple was built about a thousand years ago. The niche of Brahma in the north corridor is within the walls of the inner sanctum. The Chandisa cell is towards the east. Then the Vishnu cell is located in the sanctum wall. Here one has to pause and think. It is customary to erect the Chandisa cell in the northeast, when the main deity faces east. Here the main God looks west and the main entrance looks to the south. Strictly speaking the Chandisa cell should be in south west or south east. But here it is in the northeast and farther in contrast to the rule that no other cell should be in a line with this, the cell of Tirumal and three others are found. About 150 years ago, certain repairs were carried out in this temple, when some cells were newly build, that of Chandisa was left untouched. To the north of Chandisa is the Navagraha dais with iron bars all round. Then we pass in to Dakshinamurthi and Nataraja. It is very easy to fix the directions by a look at these images. Both will always look to the south. The significance of the temple is that it is facing west and that the stage of Lord is square in shape against the traditional round.