Jayamkonda Nathar Temple, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur
Jayamkonda Nathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Mannargudi Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. This
Temple is located in Rampuram. Presiding Deity is called as Jayamkonda Nathar and
Mother is called as Periya Nayagi Amman. The temple built by Jayamkonda Cholan
is located on the Northern bank of Pamani river, very close to the Railway
station. Four time pooja services take place here.
Legends
Thirattupal:
During the Thirattupal festival celebrated on the Rohini
star day in May-June is one of connecting Lord Shiva and Vishnu worship as
one. This sweet preparation is taken from this temple to Lord
Rajagopalaswamy temple. The story goes that Gopralayar and Gopilar saw
Lord Vishnu playing with Gopikas – called Jalakreeda. Lord
Jayamkondanathar felt that Vishnu may be tired after the play. He sent
this Thirattupal made of cow milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom and such other
ingredients to relax.
This is a very important festival in Jayamkonda Nathar
Temple. Besides Jayamkonda Nathar the presiding deity, there is Vyasalinga in a
separate shrine with Sage Narada on the left and Lord Vishnu behind. The
Thirattupal is first placed in this shrine and taken on an elephant to Lord
Rajagopalaswamy temple. This is then distributed to the devotees. The
festival is continued now after some breaks in the past.
Prayers
of Chola Kings:
Chola kings won many battles during their rule only
after submission of their prayers at the feet of Lord Shiva of this temple,
according to historical facts.
Sage
Vyasa installed the Lingam:
It was believed that Sage Vyasa installed the lingam.
Other
Names:
Rajarajeswaram and Vysapuram are the other names of this
place.
History
Rajathi Rajan the eldest son of Gangaikonda Cholan was
ruling this place during the years 1018-1054. He constructed this temple
in memory of his victory with Western Chalukyas.
The
Temple
The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram with
spacious prakaram. There is a Vinayagar Shrine at the entrance. Presiding Deity
is called as Jayamkonda Nathar and Mother is called as Periya Nayagi Amman. Besides
Jayamkonda Nathar the presiding deity, there is Vyasalinga in a separate shrine
with Sage Narada on the left and Lord Vishnu behind. Vinayaga,
Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols in
Sanctum wall.
There are shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Murugan with
his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Anantha Valli, Bhairavar, Navagraha and Sanai
Saran Idols in this Temple. There is a stage in front of Vyasa Linga Shrine.
Three Lingams, Vinayagar, Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, Mahalakshmi and
Nagars are placed in this stage.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from
5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Thirattupal Thiruvizha is grandly celebrated in the
temple. Thirattupal is a sweet preparation made of milk and sugar. The full
moon day in Aadi month – July-August is a day considered important for Lord
Shiva. Thirattupal abishek is dedicated to Lord this day. The puja
following this abishek is performed with particular flowers as Oomathai,
Karuneidhal which brings great benefits to the devotees. After a fasting,
people prepare porridge with bamboo rice and milk, offer it as Nivedhana to
Lord and consume it for good health. This prayer brings health, longevity
and all happiness, it is believed. This festival is celebrated in other
Shiva temples also as Sirkali, Thiruvidaimarudur, Vaitheeswaran Koil. Along
with Thirattupal, rice and citric fruit – Naratham Pazham in Tamil – are
offered as Nivedhana in these temples. People follow this in their houses also.
Prayers
People pray to Lord for health, longevity and relief
from fear and enemy threats. Devotees offer Thirattupal and rice Nivedhana to
Lord and Mother.
Connectivity
Mannargudi is located at about 14 Kms from Needamangalam,
29 Kms from Thiruvarur, 52 Kms from Nagapattinam, 38 Kms from Kumbakonam, 40
Kms from Thanjavur and 93 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located
at Mannargudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
