Sunday, April 5, 2020

Thirumeninatha Swamy Temple, Anandhur, Ramanathapuram

Thirumeninatha Swamy Temple, Anandhur, Ramanathapuram
Thirumeninatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Anandhur Village in Thiruvadanai Taluk in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thirumeninatha Swamy / Thirumeignana Eswarar and Mother is called as Thirukamavalli. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Valavi during ancient times. The Temple follows Kaarana Agama and conducts one Kaala pooja.

History
The Temple was believed to be built during 3rd Century AD.
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Thirumeninatha Swamy / Thirumeignana Eswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Thirukamavalli. She is housed in a separate shrine. There are shrines of Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the Temple premises.
Literary Mention
The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6th Thirumurai in 13th Patikam in 1st Song.
கொடிமாட நீடெருவு கூடல் கோட்டூர்
கொடுங்கோளூர் தண்வளவி கண்டி யூரும்
நடமாடு நன்மருகல் வைகி நாளும்
நலமாகு மொற்றியூ ரொற்றி யாகப்
படுமாலை வண்டறையும் பழனம் பாசூர்
பழையாறும் பாற்குளமுங் கைவிட் டிந்நாள்
பொடியேறு மேனியராய்ப் பூதஞ் சூழப்
புறம்பயம்நம் மூரென்று போயி னாரே
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Anandhur Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Melapanaiyur Paalam Bus Stop, 24 Kms from Thiruvadanai, 29 Kms from Ilayangudi, 30 Kms from Kalayarkoil, 42 Kms from Paramakudi, 42 Kms from Paramakudi Railway Station and 55 Kms from Ramanathapuram. The Temple is situated on Ramanathapuram to Thiruvadanai Route. Get a left turn at Melapanaiyur Paalam Bus Stop and travel for about 13 Kms to reach this Temple.
Location