Thirumoolanathar Temple, Karmangudi, Cuddalore
Thirumoolanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located in Karmangudi Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thirumoolanathar and
Mother is called as Soundara Nayagi. The Temple is situated on the banks of
Manimutharu River.
Legends
As per legends, this place was ruled by King Narendran.
He had a son named Sarangathevan. King’s youngest wife Chitrangi had a crush
towards prince. Pious prince refused her immoral wish. Queen got offended and
informed King that prince approached her for illegal relationship. She also
requested King to cut off his hands and legs as a punishment. Prince got back
his hands and legs by praying to seven Shiva Temples located on the banks of Manimutharu
River. This village is the place where his legs were chopped off. Hence, the
place came to be called as Kaal Vaangu Kudi now got corrupted to Karmagudi.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance
arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Nandis.
Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called
as Thirumoolanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form
of Lingam. Lord Murugan and Ganesha can be found at the entrance of the
sanctum. Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga, Brahma and Durga (ten armed) are the Koshta
idols located around the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar can be found in his usual location.
Mother is called as Soundara Nayagi. She is housed in a separate south facing
shrine. Both the sanctum and Mother shrine are connected to each other by Maha
Mandapam. There are shrines for Kannimoola Ganapathy, Bala Ganapathy,
Navagrahas, Raahu, Kethu, Bhairava, Surya, Nataraja and Lord Murugan with his
consorts Valli & Deivanai in the temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Karuvepilankurichi
Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Virudhachalam, 10 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 12
Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 94 Kms from Puducherry Airport
and 137 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Virudhachalam to
Thittagudi Route, take the Devangudi Road on the left side at Karuvepilankurichi
and travel for 3 Kms to reach this Temple.
Location
