Thirumangalam Sri Samavedeeswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Thirumangalam Sri Samavedeeswarar Temple, Thirumangalam, Lalgudi Circle, Trichy District – 621703.

Diety

Samavedeeswarar Amman: Loka Nayaki.

Introduction

Samavedeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirumangalam in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sama Vedeeswarar and Mother is called as Loka Nayaki. This temple is the only unique temple in the world dedicated to the Vedas especially Samaveda. The place is considered in equal sacredness to Kasi and Gaya. This ancient Chola period temple is architecturally beautiful and has many unique sculptures. This is the birth as well as the Mukthi place of Anaya Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The temple comes under the administration of the Hindu Religious Endowment Board.

Puranic Significance

The stone inscriptions of the Chola period are found in this temple. Based on those inscriptions and the architectural style of the temple, we could assume that the temple must have been built or rebuilt in the 11th century CE by the Cholas. Raja Raja Chola has contributed to the development of this temple. Many stone inscriptions have been found here. Parasurama had to kill his own mother due to some reasons. He came to this temple to get rid of his Matru hatya sin. Hence, the holy tank of this temple is named as Parasurama Theertham and the village is also called as Parasurameswaram. Lakshmi worshiped Shiva in this temple. Hence, the village is called as Thirumangalam.

Beliefs

This temple is a parihara Sthalam for Doshas incurred from neglecting ancestors as seen by Parasurama and Chandikeswara. You can get cured of ills by the Bhairavar here. You can retrieve losses by prayers to Saneeshwara here.

Special Features

The temple faces east and there are three prakaras around the temple. The east facing temple has a three-tiered tower. The flag staff, bali peetha and Nandi are found facing towards the sanctum in the courtyard. The courtyard is actually a long mandapa with so many pillars containing sculptures. The idol of Ganesha called as Kodimara Ganapati is installed near the flag staff. The idols of Adhikara Nandi with his consort in one side and Agnaya Ganapati on the other side are found in the inner entrance. The east facing sanctum enshrines the big Shiva Linga named as Sama Vedeeswarar. Nandi is in Maha Mandapam faces the sanctum. In Ardha mandapam, the idols of Ganesha and Chandikeswara are found. It is believed that Chandikeswara got the blessing of Shiva in this place. It is unusual to find Chandikeswara in Ardha Mandapam. The Koshta Murtis around the sanctum are very attractive and they appear to be of the Chola period. Dhakshinamoorthi, Bhikshatana, Shankara Narayana, Brahma and Durga are found as the Koshta deities. Dhakshinamoorthi’s right arm is in abhaya mudra, which is very rare. In front of Dhakshinamoorthi, a separate idol of a sage (Jaimini) is found seated. This is again unusual. Durga is found resting not on Mahishasura, but on a lion.

Festivals

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on, Pradosham, Fridays, Mahashivaratri, Pongal, Vinayagar Chathurthi and Karthigai Deepam. Anaya Nayanar’s Guru pooja will be conducted on Hastha Nakshatra day in the month November, every year.