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Abodes of Shiva

140. Arulmigu Manonmani Ammai sameda Vardhamaneswarar Temple, Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam

 

Mulavar   Vardhamaneswarar, Nikazhkaala Nathar
Ambal   Manonmani Ammai
Kshethram    
Direction   Facing East
Theertham   Agni Theertham, Bana Theertham
Sthala Vruksham   Punnai vruksham
Paadiyavar   Gyanasambandar
Travel Base   Thiruvarur
Nearest Railway Station   Nannilam
Continent   Chola - South Cauvery
Circle   Thirumarugal
District   Nagapattinam
State   Tamil Nadu

Location

Thiru Pugalur Vardhamanecharam is situated near Thiru Pugalur at a distance of about 7 kms west of Sannanallur junction on the Thiruvarur to Peralm route. It is about 33 kms away from Mayiladuthurai, 20 kms away from Karaikkal, 20 kms away from Thiruvarur and 10 kms away from Nannilam. Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are – Thiru Pugalur, Thirumarugal, Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiru Panaiyur, Ramanadeecharam, Thiru Payatrur and Thiru Chenkattangudi.

History

This is the birthplace of Muruga Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. He served in this temple by offering flowers thrice every day. In his hymn, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar praises Muruga Nayanar’s service to the lord. It is believed that Muruga Nayanar attained salvation at Nallur Perumanam (Aachalpuram) during Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s wedding. It is believed that Lord Agni, Sage Bharadwaj, king Nalan, all the 18 Siddhars, Saints Thirugnanasambanthar, Appar and Sundarar have worshiped Lord Shiva here.

Architecture

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 76th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). This is the birthplace of Saint Muruga Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers. There are three Shivalingams here - Lord Bhoodeshwarar, Lord Vardamaneeswarar and Lord Bhavishyeswarar. These three lingams are believed to symbolise the past, present and the future. Lord Vardamaneswarar is also known as Nikazhkaala Nathar in Tamil (Nikazhkaalam means present times). This temple’s holy tank (Agni Theertham) adorns the temple like a garland (Akazhi in Tamil). There are three beautiful reliefs on a wall in the corridor that depict the following scenes - Lord Agri worshiping Lord Shiva, Saint Appar’s last worship of the lord, and some kings and queens worshiping the lord. Devotees believe that by worshiping Lord Nikazhkaala Nathar here, they will be blessed with wealth, health, wisdom, prosperity and happiness. Devotees also believe that by worshiping the lord here, they will be absolved from the sins that their forefathers or ancestors had accrued (Pithru dosha).

Festival

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Muruga Nayanar Guru Puja in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug), Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Somavaram in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb), and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).

Sri Vardhamaneswarar Temple, Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam, Thiru Kannapuram Via, Thirumarugal Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu – 609704. Tele: +91 – 94431 13025, 04366 – 237198.

Timings: 6.30 am to 12.30 pm, 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm