Thirumanangeeswarar Temple (Thiruvudai Amman Temple),
Melur, Minjur – The Temple
This is
an east facing small temple with an entrance arch. The temple complex consists
of two parts; Ambal sannidhi is in front and the Shivan sannidhi is behind. One
of the three important Sakthi Temples located near Chennai, it is considered
auspicious to get darshan of all the three Sakthi’s one after the other on the
same day, especially on a full moon day & if possible on a full moon day
which falls on a Friday.
The form
of the Amman in all three temples (others are Thiruvotriyur and
Thirumullaivoyal) are identical and sculpted by the same sculptor. Mother is
called as Thiruvudai Amman and is facing south. Amman Shrine has been recently
rebuilt with cement. The Ambal is about 5 feet tall and she is in standing
posture. There is a snake pit in front of the Ambal sannidhi and portrait of Iccha
Shakthi can be seen below the snake pit.
Presiding
Deity is called as Thirumanangeeswarar and is facing east. The lingam is a
Swayambu lingam of sand putru and is being given a silver covering. It is rare
to see Lord Brahma as seen here with moustache and beard. Shrines of Appar,
Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Suryan, Bairavar and Veerabhadrar can be found in the
prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is a Peepal tree arising from a mango tree.
