The
Visit to this Sri Markandeyar Temple at T.Manalmedu, near Thirukadaiyur, was a
part of Shiva and Maha Vishnu Temples around Sirkazhi Visit on 1st
& 2nd July 2023. This temple is also called as Mrugandu Eswarar Temple and place is
called as T Manalmedu. Markandeyar is considered as a moolavar of this temple.
Moolavar :
Sri Mrugandu Eswarar / Markandeswarar
Consort :
Sri Maruththuvathi Ambal
Some of the salient features of this temple are …..
The temple is facing east with a 3 tier rajagopuram
on the east side. Stucco image of Shiva and Parvati are on the top of the
entrance. Balipeedam, dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakas
are at the entrance of Sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar Shiva Lingam in the sanctum
is facing east. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and
Durgai.
In praharam Chandikeswarar, Markandeyar, Bala Vinayagar,
Sri Murugan, Sri Maha Lakshmi, Sri Anjaneyar, Adhi Kala bairavar, Suryan,
Chandran, Navagrahas, Rettai Vinayagar, Vinayagar & Nagars under Peepal
tree.
Rettai Vinayagar
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala,
ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The Sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha
adhisthanam with three patta kumudam and pattika. The Bhitti starts with
vedika. The prastaram consists of
valapi, kapotam. A two tala vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Shiva,
Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the tala and Greeva Koshtam. The
sigaram is of vesara style.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the structure and sculptures, this temple
might have been constructed during 12th to 13th Century,
Chozha period and the mandapas are extended during Maratha period.
LEGENDS
As per the legend, Mrugandu Maharishi did a penance
of Shri Shiva for a child boon at this place. Satisfied with the penance Shiva
appeared and asked whether Mrugandu Maharishi like to have a brilliant Child,
who will live for 16 years only in this world or a dull witted child who will
live longer. Mrugandu Maharishi had chosen the first choice. Shiva gave the
boon and disappeared. Markandeya was born and mastered in Vedas and Sastras at
young age itself. When Markandeya grew and nearing 16 years, their parents revealed
the boon that they got from Shiva. Since Markandeya was an ardent devotee of
Shiva, went many Shiva temples and prayed. At the time when he completes the
age of 15 and entering 16, Markandeya embraced Shiva Lingam and worshipped.
Yama’s pasa rope touched the Shiva Linga, when Yama threw on Markandeya.
Angered Shiva appeared from the Shiva Linga and kicked Yama and killed. Shiva blessed Markandeya with long life and
latter he was called as Markandeya Maharishi. From this legend Shiva is called
as Kala ( Kalan- Yama ) samhara murthy.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are
conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri etc.
Devotees prays Shiva and Ambal for Marriage and
Child boon, and to get rid of Rahu and Ketu dosha nivarthi sthalam.
The priest used to do the parivattam in front of
Markandeyar sannidhi to important guests and Devotees.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to
12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The temple may be contacted on the land line number
+91 4364 - 287461 and 287325 and Gurukkal sundaramurthy Sivam’s mobile number
+91 8883746278, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
Autos are available from Thirukadaiyur.
The temple at T Manalmedu is about 2 KM from
Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple, 26 KM from Sirkazhi, 55 KM from
Kumbakonam and 260 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
No comments:
Post a Comment