Manickavasagar Temple,
Chinnamanur, Theni
Manickavasagar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Saint Manickavasagar located in Chinnamanur Town in Theni
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is Manickavasagar. The temple is
situated on the eastern bank of Surabi River. Chinnamanur was called as Hari
Kesava Nallur during ancient times. Famous Poola Nandeeswarar Temple is
situated very close to this Temple. The Temple was built in 14th
Century AD.
Legends
Vadavoorar was born at
Thiruvathavur as the son of Sambupadachariar and Shivagnanavati couple. In
appreciation of his erudition and integrity and devotion to Lord Shiva, King Arimardana
Pandian appointed him as his minister and honoured him with the title Thennavan
Brahmmarayan. He gave adequate money to him to buy high-breed horses for his
cavalry. When the saint reached Tiruperundurai (now Avudaiyarkoil), he saw Lord
Shiva under a Kurundha tree teaching disciples.
Vadavoorar lost himself at the
sight of Lord, fell at his feet and begged to be accepted as his disciple. Lord
gladly admitted him as his student. As the hymns sung by Vadavoorar were like
gems – Manickam in Tamil, Lord named him Manickavasagar. Manickavasagar built a
temple for Lord Shiva in Avudaiyarkoil with the money meant for buying horses. Lord
Shiva changed the jackals in the forest as horses and brought them to the king.
They became jackals at night. Suspecting Manickavasagar of foul play, the king
punished him. Lord Shiva played a miracle play-Thiruvilayadal and made public
the greatness of Manickavasagar. In memory of this great saint, the temple was
built.
The Temple
This is a south facing temple
with three tiered Rajagopuram. Saint Manickavasagar is the presiding deity and
he is housed in the sanctum. Saint Manickavasagar, as a Guru in standing
posture wearing Rudraksha mala and holding a Japa Mala in the right hand with a
Chinmudra graces the devotees. He has palm leaves in the left hand. He is
facing south. Lord Kasi Viswanatha and Mother Visalakshi grace the devotees in
the temple premises.
Chandikeswarar, generally in
sitting posture in Shiva temples, is standing here worshipping Lord. Chitra
Gupta with his palm leaf and Ezhuthani (writing rod) before Lord Shiva’s shrine
in meditation mood. People perform birth day pujas and 60th year
birthday Homas in this shrine. Sani Bhagawan (Planet Saturn) appears with a
parrot in the Navagraha shrine. There is also a Sani Bhagawan in the temple
with threatening long teeth called Gora Saneeswarar.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from
7.00 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Special pujas are dedicated to Saint
Manickavasagar on each Maga star day each month. As the saint was blessed for
his hymns in Tamil, all Archanas here are performed in Tamil. He comes in procession
as a Minister during the festivals. It may be recalled that Manickavasagar was
the Prime Minister of King Arimardana Pandiyan. On the Uthira Star day in the months
of Aani (June-July) and Margazhi (December-January) both the Saint and Lord
Nataraja come together in procession. Devotees use to chant the Tiruchazhal hymn
of the saint during this event to overcome stammering problems. During the Guru
Puja, a Shiva Puja in midday is performed for Shiva devotees, honored as Lord
Himself. They are offered pujas with sacred ash, sandal and flowers with
Aarati.
Prayers
Devotees pray here to have wise
children and cure from stammering problems. People pray to Kasi Viswanatha and
Mother Visalakshi to have wise children. The do this prayer especially before
admitting children to school. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform special
Archanas and offer vastras.
Contact
Manickavasagar Temple,
Chinnamanur – 625 515,
Theni District
Mobile: +91 90958 38384
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1
Km from Chinnamanur New Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Kuchanur, 17 Kms from Cumbum, 23
Kms from Theni, 24 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 25 Kms from Bodinayakanur,
99 Kms from Madurai and 110 Kms from Madurai Airport. This temple is situated
in the heart of Chinnamanur Town, near Bus Stand. There are frequent bus facilities
available for every 5 minutes from Theni to Chinnamanur. Buses going towards
Cumbum and Kumili from Theni will pass through Chinnamanur.
Location