Thirunandheeswarar Temple, Manavur – The Temple
This is an east facing temple with five tiered
Rajagopuram. The walls of the temple are of 10 feet high and the area covered
is approximately 14000 sq. ft. The sculptures as well as designs of this temple
are typical of Chola architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Nandheeswarar
and is facing east. Since, lord Shiva was worshipped by Nandi, the deity came
to be known as Thirunandeeswarar.
Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and
Vishnu Durgai are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. There is a
valampuri Vinayagar on the left side of Sanctum. This Vinayagar belongs to
Pallava period (similar to Pillayarpatti Vinayagar). A unique urchava moorthy
statue of Kannappa Nayanar, who donated his eye to lord Shiva, relates his
connection to this temple.
In one of the inscriptions found in the sanctum, the
name of the deity is mentioned as Manavil Udayar Somanathar Devar. Mother is
called as Ananthavalli. Mother is facing south in standing posture. Her shrine
is situated in the northern side of the Temple premises.
Lord Natarajar in this temple is said to be very
special. He is seen with a pleasant smile on this face, performing Ananda
Thandava. There is a saying about the temple i.e Aadiyathu Aalangattil, Amarnthathu
Thiruvuralil and Manthathu Manavuril. (ஆடியது ஆலங்காட்டில், அமர்ந்தது திருவூரலில், மணந்தது மணவூரில்). It roughly translates to “Danced in Thiruvalangadu,
Sat in Thiruvoor and wed in Manavur”, on Lord Shiva of this place.
There are shrines of Lord Murugan, Vinayagar,
Brihadeeswarar and Nagars in the outer prakaram. There are shrines of Ashta
Lakshmi, Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and
Deivanai and Bhairavar in the inner prakaram.
The Sthala Theertham, Nandhi Theertham is very special.
It is believed that the water flowing from Ganges form the top of Lord Shiva’s
head, is said to reach this tank under the ground. Sthala Vriksha is Vilvam
Tree. Inscriptions found in Koovam and Thakkolam temples talks about the glory
of this temple. The Temple Kumbabishekam was performed on 25-03-2012.
