the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

It is believed that Agasthiya Maharishi installed and worshiped this lingam and his palm prints can still be seen on the deity. According to legend, this temple was once completely covered by sand dunes. About two hundred years ago, a saint by the name of saint, Ramalinga Yogi (Thambiran) from the Madurai Thirugnanasambanthar Aatheenam discovered this temple. He took the help of many people from nearby villages and began the arduous task of renovating this temple. This is why the temple is also called Thambiran Kanda Koil (the temple found by Thambiran). Another version of the story is that this temple was renovated by the Chola King Kulothungan and his wife, Thiyagavalli. Hence the village around this temple is named Cholarpuram and Thiyagavalli. Idols of the king and queen can also be found in the corridors of the temple.This temple is also popular with students interested in arts and music. They come here to perform poojas and seek the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurthy to help them attain excellence in their chosen art forms. People with problems related to marriage and health can be seen making offerings of kumkum and turmeric to Lord Mangalapureeswarar.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 6th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. This west facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) does not have any tiers. The temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is believed to have been built by Thiyagavalli, the wife of the Chola King Kulothungan-III (also known as Thirubhuvana Chakravarthi). The lord here is called Sri Mangalapureeswarar because it is believed that Goddess Parvathi became one with the Lingam when Agasthya Maharishi installed it. This is the reason why, unlike regular offerings made to Lord Shiva, turmeric and kumkum are used in the worship of this Lord. Both these offerings are usually made to the goddess and are considered very auspicious (Mangalam in Tamil). Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This is considered to be very auspicious.It is significant to note that instead of the normal practice of dressing Lord Dakshinamurthy in yellow clothes, a white cloth is used in this temple. It is said that if we gently tap on the idol of Dakshinamurthy, the sound of seven musical notes - reverently called Sapthaswaram, can be heard.

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple.