Kalatheeswarar Temple, Mangalur, Cuddalore
Kalatheeswarar Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mangalur Village in Thittagudi
Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kalatheeswarar and Mother
is called as Gnanambigai. The Temple is believed to be extensively renovated
during Nayagar period.
The Temple
This east facing Temple covers an area of about 3 acres.
The Temple is having five tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi housed in a mandapam and
Balipeedam can be found outside the temple in front of Rajagopuram facing the sanctum.
Presiding Deity is called as Kalatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in
the sanctum in the form of Lingam.
Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Brahma are
the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Gnanambigai.
Mother Shrine is situated to the right side of the sanctum. Her shrine is
facing east. Icha Sakthi, Kriya Sakthi and Gnana Sakthi are the Koshta Idols
located around the walls of her shrine.
The Temple is famous for its sculptural beauty. Sculptures
of warriors holding lances seated on Horse are of exceptional beauty.
Sculptures of Nayagar Kings can be found in Mandapam Pillars. Fish symbol,
Emblem of Pandya dynasty can be found in the walls. 63 Nayanmars Idols, few
Lingams, Nagars can be found in the Katralai Mandapam. There are shrines for
Vinayagar, Gaja Lakshmi and Murugan in the Temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at
15 Kms from Thozhuthur, 16 Kms from Veppur, 22 Kms from Thittagudi, 31 Kms from
Koothakudi Railway Station, 37 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station and 102 Kms
from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel from Veppur towards Athur, take a
left turn after crossing Rettakurichi towards Mangalur.
Location