Prananadeswarar Temple,
Tirumangalakudi – Religious Significance
The presiding deity is revered
in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Devaram, written by
Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal
Petra Sthalam. This Temple is the 92nd Devaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 38th Sthalam
on north side of Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. Thirugnana Sambandar
and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Saptha Sthana Temples of Kanjanur:
The Saptha Sthana Temples of
Kanjanur are;
No Navagraha Shrine:
There is no shrine for
Navagrahas in this
Temple. It is believed that the Navagrahas in the nearby Suriyanar
Koil are the ones belonging to this temple. This is the place where
Navagrahas themselves worshipped and got rid of their sins. So, devotees set to
Suriyanar
Koil, should visit this
temple first to complete their worship.
Pancha Mangala Kshetra:
The
Temple is known as Pancha Mangala Kshetra. The name
of the place is Mangalakudi. The Goddess is Mangalambikai. The Vimana over the
sanctum is Mangala Vimanam. The Theertham is Mangala Theertham. The Vinayaka is
Mangala Vinayaka. Everything in the temple is Mangala (Prosperity).
Shorter Avudaiyar:
The Bana of the Linga is taller
than the Avudayar in this
temple. There is a story behind this unique form of Linga. Sage
Agasthya is believed to have visited this
temple. As Sage Agastya was short in stature, it was difficult for
him to garland the Lord. Hence, Lord Shiva shortened the Avudaiyar so that Sage
Agastya could offer the flowers without any difficulty. Hence, Lord Shiva came
to be called as Agastheeswarar.