Saturday, March 28, 2020

Athmanathar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur, Thanjavur

Athmanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvidaimarudur Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Thiruvidaimarudur is considered as equivalent to Kasi. This Temple is considered as one of temples of Pancha Linga Sthalams of Thiruvidaimarudur. The Temple is situated in the south street of Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingeswarar Temple. It is located close to Krishna Nursery school.

History
Manickavasagar had sung about the Lord of this Temple. During his pilgrimage to North Tamil region, Manickavasagar accompanied by Shiva devotees visited this Temple. He stayed in this place for some time and worshipped the Lord of this temple. Finally, when he decided to continue his pilgrimage further into the northern region, few devotees unable to bear the separation from the Lord, decided to stay here itself. This group of devotees came to be called as Anju Kothu Parambarai. They built this Temple similar to Avudaiyar Kovil Athmanatha Swamy Temple for their worship. The Temple was still maintained by Anju Kothu Parambarai. Anju Kothu Parambarai is still holding the rights to perform Poojas to Veerabhadra Swamy in Avudaiyar Kovil Temple.
The Temple
This is an east facing temple with dilapidated entrance arch in the south side. The Temple was built entirely in granite stones. Presiding Deity is called as Athmanathar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Avudaiyar. Only Linga is present. He is in formless form and is facing east. Mother is called as Yogambal. She is housed in a south facing shrine. Both Lord and Mother are in formless form similar to Avudaiyar Kovil Athmanatha Swamy Temple.
There is a small shrine dedicated to Manickavasagar, opposite to Mother shrine. The idol had been lost and the shrine is empty now. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum in the prakaram. An east facing Vinayaga can be found nearby. All Poojas and rituals are performed similar to Avudaiyar Kovil Athmanatha Swamy Temple.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location