Masilamani Nathar Temple, Tharangampadi – The Temple Complex

Masilamani Nathar Temple, Tharangampadi – The Temple Complex

The temple complex consists of two separate temples namely the earlier temple and the present temple.

The present temple:

The present temple is a newly constructed temple situated in front of the old temple. This temple is facing towards east, but the entrance is from the western side. The temple covers an area of about one acre. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in front of the mukha mandapam facing towards the sanctum.

Dvarapalas can be guarding the entrance of the ardha mandapam on neither side. Presiding deity is called as Masilamani Nathar / Masilamaneeswarar / Masila Nathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava and Brahma are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayagi. She is housed in separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the mukha mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. Shrines of Vinayaka, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Balamurugan, Gajalakshmi, Akhilandeshwari, Navagrahas, Chandra, Surya and Bairavar can be seen in the temple premises.

The earlier temple:

The earlier temple is situated very close to the sea. The rock boulders are kept around the temple to protect the temple from rising sea levels. The waves of the sea touches the temple during high tide. The front portion of the temple was completely lost to the sea. The sanctum sanctorum and Vinayaga shrine are intact rest all the other structures were lost.

This temple is facing towards east. This sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and entrance porch. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in front of the entrance porch, facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Aadhi Masilamani Nathar / Aadhi Masilamaneeswarar / Aadhi Masila Nathar in the form of Shiva Lingam.

Dakshinamoorthy and Lingothbhava are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. There is a shrine for Vinayaga in the temple premises. Idols of Goddess Akhilandeshwari, Bala Subramanya, Chandikeswarar, Durga, Maha Lakshmi, Navagrahas are kept in a safe place near to the temple.