THIRUMANANCHERI TEMPLE — TEMPLE KNOWLEDGE

Thirumanancheri temple also known as Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, also known as Sri Udhvaganathar Temple, is an ancient hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at Thirumanancheri, Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu.

Being one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, this temple is where Lord Shiva married Parvathi. Hence the presiding deity Kalyanasundarar is seen in marriage pose with his consort Kokilambal. Visiting this temple and performing the parihara removes the obstacles of marriage and its delay.

History of Thirumanancheri Temple

Parvathi wanted to marry Shiva, and no one else. After an intense meditation, her prayers were answered. The place of her meditation came to be known as “Thirumanancheri,” after the divine marriage took place. In Tamil, “thirumanan” means “marriage.” “Cheri” means a village.

Thus Thirumanancheri refers to the location where marriages take place. Shiva, in the form of “Kalyanasundareswarar” married Parvathi, addressed as “Kokilambal” here. In Sanskrit, “Kalyanam” refers to a marriage and Kokila refers to the nightingale bird. Lord Shiva is also known as “Udhavaganathar” in Sanskrit.

Together, the divine couple is addressed as ‘Arul Vallal’ and ‘Kuyilinmenmozhiammai’, where the word “kuyil” means the nightingale and as the patron of beautiful birds. The Goddess is also called Parvathasundari. Thus the Kalyanasundareswarar temple is also known as Udhavaganathar temple.

Corresponding to one legend, Shiva and Parvathi once had a celestial fight while playing dice. In a fit of temperamental fury, Shiva transformed His wife into a cow.

ALSO READ: ABOUT BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE

Predictably, He began to repent and sought Mahavishnu’s help to regain Goddess Parvathi’s feminine form. Vishnu assumed the form of a cowherd to take safeguard His “sister.” He then released the curse at a place named as “Thiruvaduthurai.”

Parvathi took a bath in the Kaveri river and began to live as Bharatha Muni’s daughter in this location. The muni later presented the girl to Lord Shiva. The Lord happily asked for her hand in marriage again, at the place now known as “Thirumanancheri.”

As another legend, it transpires that Mount Kailasam became imbalanced during the supremely grand wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. Millions of visitors thronged this abode. To resurrect the balance, Shiva sent Agasthya rishi earthwards to the south, and install a lingam of the Lord, for others to pray.

Agasthya rishi installed a lingam and began to pray to Shiva from the location, now known as Thirumanancheri.

Periodic modifications at the location, by Shiva bhakthas, is what we witness today as Kalyanasundareswarar and Kokilambal at the Udhavaganathar temple.

There is another belief. Two women of yore promised each other that their son and daughter will marry each other, when mature. However, one of the women gave birth to a turtle shaped boy.

The girl’s mother wriggled out of the marriage pact. Disappointed, but determined, the boy’s mother prayed to Shiva, for deliverance.

The Lord, hearing her prayers, transformed the turtle boy into a handsome young man, and the other woman, changed her mind. Their marriage happened at Thirumanancheri.

Thus it is believed that even physically challenged people will get suitable matches, with the Lord’s blessings. Furthermore, such disabilities tend to get ignored if you pray at Thirumanancheri. Two hearts beat as one, ignoring the physical aspects.

ALSO READ: ABOUT THIRUNALLAR TEMPLE

Quick Facts

• Address: Thirumannancheri, Tamil Nadu 609801
• District: Hassan
• Deity: Shiva(Udhvaganathar)
• Time Required : 1–2 hrs
• Photography: inside the sanctums is not allowed.
• Entry Fee: nil
• Best Time To Visit: October to March

Thirumanancheri Temple Timings

• Morning Hours: 6:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Evening Hours: 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm
• Astottaram and Sahasra Namarchana will be performed daily from 6:30 am — 8:30 pm

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Originally published at https://templeknowledge.com on April 15, 2022.