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