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Saturday, September 19, 2020

Rettai Lingeswarar Temple, Senniyamangalam, Thanjavur

Rettai Lingeswarar Temple, Senniyamangalam, Thanjavur

Rettai Lingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Senniyamangalam village near Kumbakonam Town in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple houses two pairs of deities namely Arunachaleswarar / Annamalaiyar along with his consort Unnamulai and Chokkanathar along with his consort Meenakshi.

History

Senniyamangalam was an historical town during ancient times. This town was captured by the Chalukyan forces during the invasion of Pallava empire by Chalukya King Pulikesi in the 7th Century CE. When Pulikesi retreated back to his kingdom after signing peace pact with Pallavas, he destructed and looted the temples of Saralanallur, Sagadamangalam, Adiyamangalam, Senniyamangalam, Aidiyamangalam, Chathurvedhimangalam, Ammangudi and Kanchipuram Manimangalam. This incident was recorded in Kooram Copper plate inscription. As per the inscriptions of a Shiva temple in Thiruvallur District, Pallava King Simha Vishnu performed Dasa Ashvamedha Yaga in Koliyagudi, Senniyamangalam and Ammangudi.

As per the copper plates and inscriptions, the area was under the sway of Pallavas till 9th Century CE. Later, the area came under the control of Cholas. The temples destructed during Pulikesi invasion were renovated during the Chola period. Cholas granted number of gifts to this village. The Village came to be called as Senniyamangalam. Chenni was one of the titles of Cholas. Senniyamangalam was completely destroyed and all the riches were looted during Malik Kafur invasion in 13th Century CE. The Linga was unearthed recently and villagers built this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. This Temple houses two pairs of deities namely Arunachaleswarar / Annamalaiyar along with his consort Unnamulai and Chokkanathar along with his consort Meenakshi. Arunachaleswarar is housed in an east facing sanctum and Unnamulai is housed in south facing shrine.

Chokkanathar along with his consort Meenakshi are kept in the entrance of the sanctum. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi and Navagrahas in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham associated with temple is Vilwa and Peepal Tree. Both the trees are intertwined in such a way it looks as if it is a single tree.

Festivals

Maha Shivarathri, Last Mondays of Karthigai Month, Karthigai Deepam, Aipasi Annabishekam and Chitra Pournami are celebrated in this Temple. Abhishekams are performed to this Lingam on Mondays, Amavasai and Pournami.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for child boon, longevity of husband life, relief from debts and relief from stress.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thippirajapuram Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Valangaiman, 7 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam, 8 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 41 Kms from Thanjavur and 100 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Needamangalam Route.

Location