Jayankonda Cholicharar Temple

Overview

Mannargudi is a City in Mannargudi Taluk in Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu State, India. It is located 28 KM towards west from District headquarters Tiruvarur. It is a Taluk head quarter.

About The Temple

This temple is known as Jayamkonda Nathar temple which is about 1000 to 2000 yard old and is placed on the banks of Pamani River which is located in Mannargudi. Gangaikonda Cholan's eldest son named Rajadhi Rajan was ruling this place in the 1018 to 1054 and seeing his devotion to God and the services he provided for the temple he was also known as Jayamkondan. The Chola kings have won many battles when they were ruling it is believed that this happened just because of their prayers at the feet of God Shiva of this temple says the historical facts. On the Rohini star day which happens to be in the month of May to June a festival named Thirattupal is celebrated during this period which connects the God Shiva and Vishnu worshipping as one. The preparation of this sweet is taken from this temple to God Rajagopalaswami temple and the story says that Gopralayar and Gopilar saw God Vishnu playing with Gopikas which was called Jalakreeda and God Jayamkondanathar felt that Vishnu must be feeling tired after playing hence he send this Thirattupal which was made up of cow milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom and other ingredients which makes them feel relaxed after the play and it is considered the most important festival of this temple.

About the Deity

Being the leading and preceding deity of this temple Jayamkonda Nathar there is also a separate shrine of Vyasalinga with Sage Narada which is placed on the left and behind God Vishnu. Thirattupal is taken to this shrine in the starting and then it is taken on the elephants to God Rajagopalaswami temple and then it is distributed amongst all the devotees.

Legend and Stories

Gopralayar and Gopilar are sons of Sage Vahinimukhar. A very loyal devotee of God Vishnu performed an intense penance on God and who appeared in front of them and asked them to wish anything they want. They sought the deliverance from sin and its consequences as a boon, God advised them to go to Dwarka and meet Maharshi Narada on their way and enquire about the further route. When they met Maharshi Narada he told them that Kannan was out of Dwaraka and he is out to kill Kamsa that is to protect all the noble souls as Bhishma and others. Narada advised them to worship in Dwaraka and Nanada Gokhulam after worshipping here he asked them to return to Chambakaranyam (Mannargudi) where he asked them to bathe in Haridra River and perform penance on God.The two brothers followed each and every instruction given to them by the Sage. God Narayana appeared before them and as wished by these two brothers God showed them all the 30 Leelas that is all the plays he did in Brindavan and also granted them Salvation. According to their wishes the two brothers consented to stay in Mannargudi as God Rajagopala and do bless their devotees and hence goes the puranic story of this place.

Festivals

Thirattupal Tiruvizha is grandly celebrated in the temple. Thirattupal is a sweet preparation made of milk and sugar. After the fasting the devotees prepare porridge with bamboo rice and milk which is offered as nivedhana to God and consumed later and it is believed that it is a significance for good health. It is also believed that the prayers which are done in the temple is a symbol of longevity brings health and all happiness as this festival is celebrated in the other shiva temples such as Sirkali, Tiruvidaimarudur, Vaitheeswaran Koil and Thirattupal, in Naratham Pazham, Rice and citric fruit is offered as nivedhana in these temples and is also followed by the devotees in their houses too. Chambakavanam which is known for 1008 sages performing in this region and currently known as Mannargudi.

Prasad and Offering

People pray to Lord for health, longevity and relief from fear and enemy threats.

Thanks giving

Devotees offer Thirattupal and rice nivedhana to Lord and Mother

Near By Temple

Ponvaithanaathar
Swarnapureeswarar
Padaleswarar
Satchinathar
Sarguna Nathar
Kaichinneswarar

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest Air Terminal is at Tiruchi.

Railways

The Nearest Railhead is at Kumbakonam.

Road

The temple is in Mannargudi linked with convenient bus facilities.

Temple Address

Sri Jayamkonda Nathar Temple,
Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district.