Shivaloganathar Temple, Mangudi, Mayiladuthurai

Shivaloganathar Temple, Mangudi, Mayiladuthurai

Shivaloganathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mangudi Village in Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Shivaloganathar and Mother is called as Shiva Loganayagi. The temple is under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Vishnu along with Lakshmi stayed in this village during the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati in Thirumanancheri. As Lord Vishnu (Mal) stayed in this village, the village came to be called as Malgudi (means residence of Lord Vishnu). Malgudi later got corrupted to Mangudi.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE by the Cholas and later extensively renovated by the Nayak Kings.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is in complete ruins. The entire temple is a brick structure. The entrance gopuram is in dilapidated state. The superstructure over the entrance gopuram had been lost completely. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The maha mandapam is designed to look like the forehead of a bat (Vovval Nethi Mandapam). All the structures are in dilapidated state. The roof over the maha mandapa is completely lost.

Presiding deity is called as Shivaloganathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Shiva Loganayagi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. As the shrines and structures are in dilapidated state, the idols of Vishnu, Vinayaga,  Kasi Viswanathar, Dakshinamoorthy, Durga and Murugan are kept in the ardha mandapam for safety reasons.

Religious Significance

The specialty of the temple is on the auspicious day of Shivrathri, those who visit Thirumangalam Bhoologanathar Temple on first Kaala Pooja, Mangudi Shivaloganathar Temple on second Kaala Pooja, Poyyakudi Naganathar Temple on third Kaala Pooja and again Thirumangalam Bhoologanathar Temple on fourth Kaala Pooja will get the benefit of worshipping all Shivalingas in in the world.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Thirumangalam, 2.5 Kms from Poyyakudi, 3 Kms from Kali, 5 Kms from Thirumanancheri, 6 Kms from Tiruvelvikudi, 7 Kms from Kuthalam, 8 Kms from Kuthalam Railway Station, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 12 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai New Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Kumbakonam and 135 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to take the Kallanai – Poompuhar Road from Mayiladuthurai towards Kumbakonam, take a diversion at Mappadugai towards Ponnur, then take a diversion at Ponnur towards Thirumangalam and the temple is situated at about 750 metres from Thirumangalam.

Location