Mangalapureeswarar Temple, Thiruchopuram – The Temple
This west facing temple has one corridor and it has no
main tower (Rajagopuram). The temple itself is quite small but spacious. Presiding
Deity is called as Mangalapureeswarar / Chopuranathar. Lord Shiva graces this
temple as a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested). The Shivalingam faces west hence
the square Avudayar is on the left. Here Shivalingam is
on square peetam as Avudai and the Lingam portion is made of Sand. Palm
print of Agasthya muni is visible on the Lingam portion. There is a small ball
like bulb which is considered as Ganga.
Something unique in this temple is Turmeric and
Kumkum is used for worship of Lord Siva here. Hence the Lord is
known as Mangala Pureeswarar. The koshta vigrahas are reversed as the
temple faces west and hence Vishnu Durgai comes first, The Dakshinamurthy,
Lingodhbava are unique in having attendants, Ganesh has Tirugnanasambandar as
attendant & Dakshinamurthy has Sanath kumaras. Behind the sanctum
sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord
Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the
darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthy) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This is
considered to be very auspicious.
Dakshina Murthy is seen with Nagam to left
hand and Agni to right hand which is in reverse order. It is
significant to note that instead of the normal practice of dressing Lord
Dakshinamurthy in yellow clothes, a white cloth is used in this temple. It is
said that if we gently tap on the idol of Dakshinamurthy, the sound of seven
musical notes - reverently called “Saptaswara”, can be heard. Mother is called
as Sathyakshi / Saththiyaya Dakshi / Velnedunganni / Thiyagavalli / Chopura
Nayaki. The Mother sannidhi is on the left facing south. The Mother is about 5 feet
tall and quite imposing.
Shrines and idols of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his
consorts, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Visalakshi and Viswanathar, Veeratteswarar,
Kannappa Nayanar, Thiyagavalli Avudaiyar, 63 Nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai,
Chandikeswarar, Agasthiar, Suryan, Bairavar and Navagraham can be seen in the
corridors. Theertham associated with this temple are Chopura Theertham and Brahmatheertham
(Sea). Sthala Vriksham is Kondrai Tree. Inscriptions belongs to Cholas and Pandyas
can be seen in this temple.
