Manathunai Nathar Temple,
Valivalam – The Temple
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Murugan and Vinayaga. The Temple covers an area of about 2 acres and has three prakarams. There is a pillared mandapa connecting the entrance arch and the second level rajagopuram. The rajagopuram is at about 85 feet tall and is of three tiers. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch in this mandapam, facing towards the sanctum.
The Mada Kovil can be seen immediately after the second level rajagopuram. It is believed that King Kochengat Chola built around 70 Maadakovils. This Temple is considered one among them. The unique feature about these temples are that it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these temples at an elevation and there are few steps need to be climbed before seeing Lord in the sanctum. Also, the entrance to the sanctum would be so narrow that elephants cannot enter it.
The Mada Kovil consists of sanctum, antarala, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Manathunai Nathar / Idhaya Kamala Nadhar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The vimana is of two tiers and follows vesara style. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Dakshinamoorthy, Murugan and Brahma are the koshta idols located on the walls of the elevated platform. Chandikeswarar can be seen in his usual location in the ground level. Mother is called as Valaiyanganni / Angayarkanni / Madhyayadakshi / Maazhaiyon Kanni. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the outer prakaram. Her shrine consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapam.
Dwarapalakis can be seen guarding her shrine. She is four armed. She holds Akshamala & Neelotpala in her uppers and lower hands show varada & hastha pose. The vimana over her shrine is of two tiers and follows vesara style. Pidari Koil can be seen on the north east corner of the outer prakaram. This shrine is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The shrine enshrines an image of eight armed Kali.
She holds shield, bell, skull, vajra, sword and udukkai in her hands. It also enshrines another image of Pidari of later period. Eka Chakra Perumal shrine is situated in the outer prakaram. There is a south facing shrine for Somaskanda situated in the mukha mandapam. There is an east facing shrine for Lord Murugan situated on the upper level to the left side of the sanctum. This shrine enshrines an image of four armed Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena.
Lord Murugan of this Temple is praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his revered Thirupugazh hymns. Shrines & Idols of Valampuri Vinayagar, Arumugam, Gajalakshmi, Kasi Viswanathar, Navagrahas and 63 Nayanmars can be seen in the inner prakaram. Valampuri Vinayaka is praised in the Thevaram hymn of Saint Thirugnana Sambandar. The hymn begins with the line “Pidi athan uruvumai kolamigu kariathu”. As a rule, chanting Thevaram hymns in any Shiva temple should begin with this song only.
Thiruthondar Mandapam can be seen in the western side of the inner prakaram. Theerthams associated with this temple are Surya Theertham and Kaarana Theertham. Surya Theertham is in the form of moat surrounding the temple. The annual Theppotsavam (float festival) is conducted in this theertham. Kaarana Theertham is situated on the eastern side of the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Punnai Tree.
