Tiruchendurai Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple, Trichy

Address

Tiruchendurai Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple, Thiruchandurai, Anthanallur, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu 639101

Deity

Chandrasekhara Swamy Amman: Maanendiya Valli / Mrigadharambika

Introduction

• Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Tiruchendurai, in the Trichy District of Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is Chandrasekhara Swamy, and the Goddess is called Maanendiya Valli (also known as Mrigadharambika).
• This temple is one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalams.
• Tiruchendurai is now referred to as Jeeyapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Parantaka Chola, a Chola king, camped here with the intent to eliminate bandits. While hunting, he accidentally found a Shiva Linga hidden in a pit.
• Though Parantaka Chola could not construct the temple, his daughter-in-law Kunthavai completed the task, making this temple a significant Chola period structure.
• The temple inscriptions date back to various Chola kings, including Rajendra Chola, Kulothunga Chola I, and rulers from other dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The temple’s origin dates to the 9th century CE, with its reconstruction in the 10th century CE by Kunthavai.

Special Features

• The temple has an east-facing five-tiered Rajagopuram, adorned with unique stucco figures.
• Shakti Chatuska is depicted on the tower, a combined form of Lakshmi, Kirti, Jaya, and Maya.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses a self-manifested Shiva Linga with a rough texture, resembling a jackfruit.
• The Vimana (tower above the sanctum) is two-tiered and made entirely of stone.
• The Goddess Maanendiya Valli, the temple’s deity, is believed to be the only deity who holds a deer in her arms. She is seen in the form of Ardhanari, with distinct male and female features.
• The temple also has a unique bronze idol of Nataraja in the rare Urdhva Thandava posture, with one knee raised upwards.
• Other shrines in the temple complex include those dedicated to Ganesha, Vishwanathar, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, and Navagraha.
• Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the jackfruit tree, and the temple’s Theertham is the River Cauvery.

Festivals

• The temple celebrates Mahashivaratri annually during the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).
• The festival features four-time poojas starting at 4:00 pm and continuing until 4:00 am, with special decorations and offerings for Lord Shiva and Nandi.
• It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri equals a year of regular worship, bringing peace and good health to devotees.

Century/Period/Age

9 th century CE

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Jeeyapuram Pillayar Kovil Stop

Nearest Railway Station

Srirangam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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