Agastheeshwarar Temple, Manakkal, Kudavasal,
Thiruvarur
Agastheeshwarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Manakkal Village in
Kudavasal Taluk in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called
as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Soundarya Nayaki. Manakkal has the
reputation of being south of Nachiyar Koil, west of Thirukkannapuram Sowriraja
Perumal, south of Lord Abhimuktheeswarar temple. Lord Abhimuktheeswarar temple
sung by Saint Appar is also nearby. As many Vedic pundits lived here in
days of yore, the place was known as Chadurvedi Mangalam. Sthala Vriksham
is Vilwa and Theertham is Shiva Kula Theertham.
Legends
Agastheeshwarar:
Sage
Agasthya performed penance here for grant of the wedding darshan of Lord Shiva
with Mother Parvathi that took place in mount Kailash. Hence the name of the
Lord is Agastheeshwarar.
Mother Parvathi performed penance here:
Mother
Parvathi performed penance here to have the hand of Lord and the wedding took
place at Tirukaraveeram. Remembering the event, there are shrines of Lord and
Ambika here.
Andhapura Nayaki:
It is
said that Mother stayed in the virgin house for a night before leaving for
mount Kailash. Hence, Mother is praised as Andhapura Nayaki. Andhapuram
is part of a palace where only women are permitted.
History
The
antiquity of the temple goes back to 1500 years. This is one of the 108
Shiva temples built by the Cholas. As the epigraphic details are much
ruined due to age, a correct history is not available. There are some evidence
of Saint Appar had sung hymns about the nearby Peruvelur and this temple, he
could have also sung the praise of Lord Agastheeshwarar of Manakkal
temple. The temple was in a dilapidated condition for many years.
One Ms. Thyageswari, a worker in a noon-meal centre here took pains to renovate
this temple and also have done consecration.
The
Temple
The
entrance of the temple is on the western side with Pancha Moorthis since there
is no Rajagopuram here. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and
Mother is called as Soundarya Nayaki. Lord Agastheeshwarar graces from a shrine
in the sanctum Sanctorum (with one Kalasa). The rays of Sun fall on the
feet of the Lord in this temple in the evening of Thai Month –January-February-
when Surya puja is performed.
Mother
Soundarya Nayaki graces the devotees from her shrine facing east. Lord
Omkara Ganapathi is on the right side with one Kalasa in a separate shrine,
Lord Subramanya with consorts Valli and Deivanai on the left with one Kalasa,
Lord Chandikeswara facing south on the rear side with one Kalasa appear on the
four sides of the temple.
The holy
tree Vilwa is opposite to the kitchen – Madapalli. Lord Dakshinamurthy is
facing south. There are 14 pillars in the main Nandhi mandapa. Nandhi and
Bali peeta are nearby. Lord Bhairava, Planets Saneeswara and Moon are
nearby facing west. There are 8 pillars in the Mahamandapam. Lord
Mahalingam graces from the eastern side.
There is
a box nearby containing Thirumurais – hymns sung in praise of Lord – and a
beautiful painting. Lord Nardana Vinayaka appears on the west. Lord
Adhikara Nandhi blesses in a reclining form. Theertham is Shiva Kula
Theertham. The last consecration of the temple was performed on September 15,
2013.
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00
p.m.
Festivals
Tamil
new year day falling almost on April 14, Vaikasi Visagam in May-June, Aipasi Annabishekam
in October-November, Karthikai Deepam in November - December, Fortnightly
Pradosha pujas, New Moon days are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Surya
puja is performed in the evenings of month of Thai – January-February – when
the rays of Sun fall on the feet of Lord.
Prayers
People
pray to Lord and Mother for child boon and agreement on marriage talks.
Devotees perform special pujas to Lord and Mother in Their wedding form, with
new clothes and garlands. Also such pujas are offered to Lord Muruga on
Tuesdays, Kruthika star days and Sashti days. Hurdles go off in wedding talks.
Devotees pray to Lord Bhairava on Ashtami day in new moon fortnight for
prosperity and also to Sowbagaya Vinayaka on Chaturthi days.
Contact
Agastheeshwarar
Temple,
Kumbakonam
Main Road,
Manakkal
Post, Kudavasal Taluk,
Thiruvarur
– 610 014
Mobile: +91 72995 55527
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Manakkal Ayyampettai Devara Paadal
Petra Sthalam, 3 Kms from Thirukkannamangai, 10 Kms from Thiruvarur, 14 Kms
from Koradacherry, 32 Kms from Kumbakonam and 112 Kms from Trichy. The Temple
is located on Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam road. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Thiruvarur and Koradacherry. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.