Chidambareswarar Temple, Thirumangalam, Villupuram
Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirumangalam Village near Thirukkanur in Villupuram District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivakamasundari. The Temple is located close to Union Territory of Puducherry. The Temple is situated on the banks of the lake in a very peaceful environment.
Legends
It is believed that Korakkar Siddhar installed this Shiva Lingam.
History
The Lingam, Nandeeswarar and Chandikeswarar was found in the lake nearby. It is believed that these Chola style idols belonged to 4th Century AD. Lingams and Idols are housed and worshipped under thatched roof till 2006. It was decided by Local Villagers to build a Temple for Lord Shiva and started building activities and completed in 2010. Kumbabishekam had been done at May 26, 2019.
The Temple
There is a 28 feet Dwajasthambam immediately after the entrance. Nandhi is located next to it facing the sanctum. Here Nandhi is called as Surya Nandhi. There is a huge Mahamandapam in this Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy. He is facing west. It is believed that Sanctums of Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and this temple are located in straight line.
There is also Adhikara Nandhi facing the Lord in the sanctum. Vishnu Durga, Brahma, Vishnu, Dhakshinamoorthy, Narthana Vinayaga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar is housed in a separate shrine. It is believed that Idol is 2500 years old. Mother is called as Shivakamasundari. Mother Shrine is located to right side of the Sanctum and she is facing south.
There is a shrine for Saneeswarar to the right side of the sanctum. He is gracing the devotees along with his consorts Jyeshta Devi, Mantha Devi and Neela Devi. In addition to the Crow vehicle, Eagle Vehicle can also be seen here. Normally in North india, Lord Saneeswarar will have Eagle as his Vehicle. Gopuram has been designed in octagonal shape. Gopuram has Lord Yama in Southern side, Vinayagar on western side and Anjaneya in northern side.
There is shrine for Nataraja in the Temple. Rahu and Ketu are gracing from his Jadamudi. Vyakrapada, Patanjali, Karaikal Ammaiyar also graces the devotees from his shrine. There is a shrine for Maha Bhairava near the Temple tank. There will be special poojas dedicated to him on Theipirai Ashtami days. An Anjaneya Idol can be found nearby. There is also shrine for Dhanavanthri nearby.
There are shrines for Mahalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Maha Ganapathy, Chandran, Suryan, 63 Nayanmars, Sekkizhar, Thilagavathy, sister of Nayanmar Appar, Lord Murugan along with his consorts valli and Deivanai, Pancha Lingam, Saraswathi, Ayyappan and Naalvar in the Temple premises. Normally in Temples, Naga idols are installed near the Trees but here Naga Idols are housed in separate shrine.
Vilvam, Nagalingam, Maha Vilvam and Thiruvodu trees can be found in the Temple premises. Kadamba maram is considered as Sthala Vriksham in this Temple. Unique speciality is Maha Vilvam has 11 leaves. The Temple Tank is situated on the North-East corner of the Temple. Tank is in hexagonal shape. Manoranjitham Tree, Shenbaga Tree and Uthiratcha Tree can be seen near the Temple Tank.
There are beautiful paintings depicting Lord Shiva Play (Thiruvilaiyadalgal). There is also a shrine for Angaragan (Mars) and Siddhar samadhi in this Temple. There is a Dyana Mandapam housing Pancha Loha Idol of baba near to this Temple. This hall consists of 21 important saints of enriched Tamil history.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Lord for clearing marriage obstacles, Child Boon, Mental disorders and curing diseases.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Pidaripattu Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Thirukkanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvakkarai, 9 Kms from Thirubhuvanai, 15 Kms from Vikravandi, 21 Kms from Vikravandi Railway Station, 24 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 25 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 26 Kms from Villupuram, 24 Kms from Villupuram Railway Junction and 141 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Puducherry to Thirukkanur Road. Regular buses are plying between Puducherry and Thirukkanur. Devotees has to get down at Pidaripattu Bus Stop and take an auto to reach this Temple. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Puducherry, Vikravandi and Villupuram. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.
Location