Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Description

Temple Layout & Presiding Deity

The name “Amram” means mango, and since this region was once abundant with mango groves, it came to be known as “Manthurai.” This site is specifically referred to as “Vadakarai Manthurai” to distinguish it from another place of the same name located near Aduthurai on the Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai route. That temple, situated on the southern bank, is known as “Thenkarai Manthurai” and is revered as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam.

The temple features an east-facing Rajagopuram. As devotees enter the complex, they can see beautiful mural paintings depicting the sage Mrugandu engaged in intense penance and worship of Shiva. The temple premises house the sacred Sthala Vriksham and sannidhis dedicated to Vinayaka, Muruga, Lakshmi, the Navagrahas, and Bhairava. The Goshta deities enshrined around the sanctum include Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Goddess Durga. Among the four principal Nayanmars represented in the temple, Sundarar is uniquely depicted holding a staff. The Navagraha sannidhis is another notable feature, where Surya Bhagavan is portrayed with his two consorts, while the other eight planetary deities face him in reverence. A separate shrine for Surya is also located nearby.

The presiding deity, Aamravaneswarar, is enshrined in the sanctum as a Swayambhu Lingam and faces east. A remarkable solar phenomenon occurs during the first three days of the Tamil month of Panguni, when the rays of the rising sun fall directly upon the deity. The shrine of the Goddess faces south. The temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year, including Aadi Velli, Navaratri, Annabhishekam, the Mondays of the Karthigai month, Tiruvadhirai, and Maha Shivarathri, attracting devotees from far and wide.

Tirupugazh Sthalam

The western section of the prakaram (circumambulatory path) is home to the magnificent sannidhi of Muruga. Here, the deity stands majestically at 5 feet tall in an impressive posture, displaying four divine hands and flanked by his beloved consorts, Valli and Deivanai. This powerful representation of Muruga has been gloriously praised by the poet Arunagirinathar in his renowned Tirupugazh hymns.

The Significance

According to temple legend, Brahma, the creator deity, once falsely claimed that he had seen the crown of Shiva’s infinite form. Angered by this untruth, Shiva cursed Brahma. Seeking forgiveness and redemption, Brahma came to this place and performed intense penance, eventually receiving the deity’s grace. Another legend is associated with Samyadevi, the consort of Surya, the Sun God. Unable to bear the brilliance and intense radiance of her husband, she sought refuge here and undertook severe austerities. Through her devoted penance, she was blessed with the strength to withstand Surya’s powerful effulgence. The temple is also connected with Indra, the king of the Devas. Having incurred the curse of Sage Gautama for his improper conduct towards Ahalya, Indra worshipped the deity here and performed penance to obtain relief from the effects of the curse. In addition, it is believed that Surya himself came to this sacred shrine to worship the deity and seek absolution for the sin he had incurred by participating in Daksha’s Yajna. Owing to these divine associations, the temple is revered as a place of atonement, spiritual purification, and divine grace.