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Friday, July 17, 2020

Thirumoolanathar Temple, Karmangudi, Cuddalore

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