Ekambareswarar Temple, Mananthakudi, Thiruvarur
Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva
located at Mananthakudi Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Ekambareswarar. Urchavar is Chandrasekharar. Mother is
called as Kamakshi. Theertham is Hanuman Theertham.
Legends
A devotee, Kaarthaveeriyan was deeply devoted to Lord
Siva. Once when he was performing Siva pooja, Anjaneya disturbed his
worship. The angry Kaarthaveeriyan cursed Anjaneya, who realized his fault
came to this sacred place seeking relief. He installed Shivalingam and
worshipped it. Lord Siva with Ambal appeared before him and granted release
from the curse. The delighted Anjaneya joyfully danced. So this
place came to be known as ‘Anuman Aanandakudi’ which was later shortened to
‘Maanandakudi’.
The
Temple
Lord Siva who appeared before Anjaneya graces as Ekambareswarar.
Kamakshi Ambal is in separate sanctum facing south. There is a separate
sanctum to Lord Anjaneya and to worship him brings in all welfare is the
staunch belief. So he is called ‘Mangala
Anjaneyar’. Special poojas are performed on the New Moon days and on
the Moolam star days. Urchavar is Chandrasekharar. Theertham is Hanuman
Theertham.
Lord Dhakshinamoorthi here is quite
powerful. In his peetam are the four disciples Sanakar, Sananthanar,
Sanaathanar, Sanathkumaarar and also the Saptarishis. Nandhi is also
seen. To see Dhakshinamoorthi in this manner is a very rare sight. Opposite
to the sanctum of Anjaneya is the sanctum of Navagraha with their respective
spouses. All of them are in sitting posture, each with separate tiruvaachi
(a semicircular decorated diagram) – this is quite significant.
Tradition believes that Anjaneya has tied the Navagrahas
in his tail Since the Navagrahas with their family are under his direct
vision, the belief is that all kinds of grahadoshas (planets’ curse) get
relieved. Those who have such planetary as well as astrological curses
pray here by tying husk-coconut in the sanctum. Those with serpent-curse
(naagadosham) install Naagar statues and worship.
Generally, behind the koshtam of Lord Siva’s sanctum
will be Lingodhbava. But, here Idumban is seen and opposite to him
is Lord Subramanya in a separate sanctum. Idumban is seen with his right
leg forward, ready to serve Lord Subramanya – this is a traditional belief. In
the prakaram, there are separate sanctums for Karpaga Vinayakar, Mahalakshmi
and Mariamman.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and
4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Full moon day in Chithirai (April-May), Hanuman
Jayanthi, Aadi Fridays (July-August) and Tirukarthikai in November-December are
the festival celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those who commit wrongs without knowledge can come here
and pray for peace of mind. The devotees can render offering by donning new
clothes to Ambal and by performing special poojas.
Contact
Ekambareswarar Temple,
Mananthakudi – 609 503,
Thiruvarur District
Phone: +91 – 4366 239389
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Poonthottam, 5
Kms from Koothanur, 2 Kms from Ayyampettai, 25 Kms from Thiruvarur, 26 Kms from Mayiladuthurai,
33 Kms from Kumbakonam and 127 Kms from Trichy. There are no proper
bus services available to reach this place. It is better to take an auto
rickshaw from Poonthottam. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Poonthottam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
