Thirunandheeswarar Temple

Overview

Manavur, a village, that lies 54 km off Chennai (rail en route Chennai Central-Arakkonam), dates back to the 7th century AD when the Kurumbas ruled the ancient Thondai Mandalam. They divided it into 24 divisions of which Manavur happened to be the 4th division. True to its legacy, this small village boasts of several inscriptions and sculptures found in the sanctum sanctorum of the 1200-year old Thirunandeeswarar, Kandaswami and Vinayagar temples. Of the three, the villagers have embarked on a mission to renovate the Thirunandeeswarar temple, which is in a dilapidated state.

About the temple

The Sri Anandavalli Sametha Sri Thirunandeeswarar temple is about 1,200 years old. According to legend, Lord Siva after his celestial dance performance in Thiruvalangadu, gave darshan to Sage Agasthiar in Thirumanakolam along with His consort Anandavalli. That's how Manavur got its name. Nandi is worshipped here and is believed to have been released from his curse and hence the name to the presiding deity. A unique urchava moorthi of Sri Kannapa Nayanar, who gave his eye to Lord Siva, can be found here. This temple was consecrated 1200 years ago and was in a dipleated condition for the last 120 years. This temple did not undergo mahakumbabishekam, which according to sastras, should happen every 12 years. The walls of the temple are of 10 feet high and the area covered is approximately 14000 sq. ft. This temple has a history behind it that never came to light for reasons unknown. It appears to be a paadal petra sthalam, sung by the saivites Sundarar & Manickavasagar. However, history also says that those songs do not exist in any palm leaves which were recovered. Legend also has it that Sundarar and Manickavasagar after their dharshan in Thiruvalangadu & Thirpazhanam (Other paadal petra sthalams in the close vicinity) were proceeding towards Koovam and stopped by at this temple to sing the lords praise. The sculptures as well as designs of this temple are typical of Chola architecture. Inscriptions found in nearby Siva temples at Koovam and Thakkolam talk about the glory of this temple.

About the deity

Lord Shiva graces the place as Sri Thirunandeeswarar. He is accompanied by Sri Anandavalli ambal. Since, lord Shiva was worshipped by Nandi, the deity came to be known as Thirunandeeswarar. In one of the inscriptions found in the Santorum , the name of the deity is mentioned as Manavil vudayar Somanatha devar. Lord Natarajar in this temple is said to be very special. He is seen with a pleasant smile on this face, performing Ananda thandava. There is a saying that goes like this “Danced in Thiruvalangadu, Sat in Thiruvoor and wed in Manavur”, on Lord Shiva of this place. The sthala theertam is very special. It is believed that the water flowing from Ganges form the top of Lord Shiva’s head, is said to reach this tank under the ground. It is believed that God Shiva's gave darshan to Agasthiar in the marriage posture. Agasthiar's consort Anandavalli was also present and hence the name of the village was Manavur. There is an unique Urchava moorthi (statue) of Sri Kannapa Nayanar who gave his eyes to God Shiva , which implies that this temple might be connected to Sri Kalahasti. The kostha murtis that are present are Lord Vinayaga, Lord Subramanya, Lord Dakshinamurthi, Lingothbavar and Lord Bharivar, The sthal vriksha is Vilvam.

Rare Facts

Worshipping Lord Vinayaga of this sthala helps cure aliments related to stomach. Worshipping goddess Anandavalli is believed to relieve people of debts. Since Sage Agastyar got to witness the wedding of Lord Shiva, worshipping the deities of the temple removes obstacles to marriages. This is a parihara sthalam for delay in marriage.

Festivals

Margahi Thiruvizha in the months of Dec and Jan. 11 days of Vaikasi Visakam Utsavam

Pooja Timings

The temple is open between 08.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

Accessibility

This temple is located in Manavur (4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central and 54 KM from Chennai).