Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located in Needamangalam Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi
Amman. Urchavar is Somaskandar. Sthala Vriksham is Paneer and Vilwa Tree. Vennaru
and a well in the temple are the Theerthams associated with this Temple.
Legends
King Prathapasimha of Thanjavur in his quest for progeny
constructed many Vishnu temples yet his wish was not granted. he was advised by
a minister to raise a temple for Lord Shiva and the location was suggested by a
sage who had come from Kashi. The sage blessed the king to receive all the
benefits of visiting Kasi here itself. Subsequently the king had a child.
History
The region is praised by many names as Cholavala Nadu,
Chenni Nadu, Abhaya Nadu, Chembian Nadu, Ponni Nadu and so on. They have
significant references in literatures and scriptures. The temple is
believed to have been built during the 24 years rule of King Pratapa Simha
Maharaja. He was the son of Maharaja Venkoji. The construction of the temple
would have been taken up along with that of the Santhana Ramaswamy
temple. In the years followed, the temple grew in name and fame.
After the Mahasamprokshanam in 1924, the consecration was performed in 1956
with the latest in the year 1990. Presently, though the temple is under the
control of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities, an administrative body oversees
the daily maintenance.
The
Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar and Mother
is called as Visalakshi Amman. Urchavar is Somaskandar. Sthala Vriksham is Paneer
and Vilwa Tree. Vennaru and a well in the temple are the Theerthams associated
with this Temple. The temple stands on the west side of Needamangalam
surrounded by three rivers Vennaru, Karayaru and Pamani. There are two
entrances – east and south.
The Rajagopuram on the southern entrance has a three-tier
design with three Kalasas. The flag pole is on the east, the kitchen (Madapalli)
is on the Southeast side and the Yagasala on the northeastern side. Nearby are
the Navagraha (9 planet shrine) and separate shrines for Sun and Shani Bhawan
facing west. Presiding deity Lord Kasi Viswanathar is facing east and Mother Visalakshi
is on the south side in a separate shrine with one Kalasa. The idol of Mother
Visalakshi is made of Panchaloka metal and always shines with Alankaras.
Lord Nataraja also on the south side in a separate
shrine with 5 Kalasas. The Maha Mandapam is spacious enough to accommodate
300 devotees. Lord Vinayaka, Planet Jupiter (Guru Bhagwan) and Lord
Dakshinamurthy facing east and Chandikeswara on the south in a shrine with one
Kalasa grace the devotees. Mothers Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswathi are
also facing east from their shrines. There are also shrines for Ishta Devathas.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from
5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January,
Fortnightly Ashtami pujas, Navarathri in September-October and all Lord Shiva
related festivals are celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
People pray to Lord and Mother for removal of obstacles
in wedding negotiations, prosperity and success in political ambitions. The
devotee crowd is ever huge as the temples serves as a remedy centre – Parihara
Sthala. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Annabishekam and join other
events of pujas.
Contact
Kasi Viswanathar Temple,
Needamangalam – 614 404,
Thiruvarur district.
Mobile: +91 94441 39199 /
8012162370
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Kumbakonam,
15 Kms from Mannargudi, 30 Kms from Tiruvarur and 33 Kms from Thanjavur and 88
Kms from Trichy. The Temple is on the Othakudi road not far from the Railway Station.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Nearest Airport is
located at Trichy.