The
visit to this Sri Markandeyar Temple at T. Manalmedu, near Thirukadaiyur, was a
part of the Shiva and Maha Vishnu Temples around Sirkazhi Visit on 1st
& 2nd July 2023. This temple is also called Mrugandu Eswarar Temple, and the place is
called T Manalmedu. Markandeyar is considered 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 faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram
on the east side. Stucco images 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 the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar Shiva Lingam in the sanctum faces east. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and
Durgai.
In the praharam, Chandikeswarar, Markandeyar, Bala Vinayagar,
Sri Murugan, Sri Maha Lakshmi, Sri Anjaneyar, Adhi Kala bairavar, Suryan,
Chandran, Navagrahas, Rettai Vinayagar, Vinayagar & Nagars under the Peepal
tree.
Rettai Vinayagar
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala,
ardha mandapam, and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha
adhistanam with three patta kumudam and pattika. The bhitti starts with
vedikai. 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 the vesara style.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per the structure and sculptures, this temple
might have been constructed during the 12th to 13th centuries, the Chozha period, and the mandapas were extended during the 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 liked to have a brilliant Child,
who would live for 16 years only in this world, or a dull-witted child who would
live longer. Mrugandu Maharishi had chosen the first choice. Shiva gave the
boon and disappeared. Markandeya was born and mastered in Vedas and the Sastras at a young age. When Markandeya grew and neared 16 years, their parents revealed
the boon that they got from Shiva. Since Markandeya was an ardent devotee of
Shiva, he went to many Shiva temples and prayed. At the time when he completed the
age of 15 and entered 16, Markandeya embraced Shiva Lingam and worshipped.
Yama’s pasa rope touched the Shiva Linga, and Yama threw it on Markandeya.
Angered Shiva appeared from the Shiva Linga and kicked Yama and killing him. Shiva blessed Markandeya with a long life, and
later he was called Markandeya Maharishi. From this legend, Shiva is called Kala (Kalan-Yama) samhara murthy.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are
conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, etc.
Devotees pray to Shiva and Ambal for a 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's sannidhi for important guests and Devotees.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to
12.00 hrs, and from 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The temple may be contacted on the landline numbers
+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.
The nearest Railway Station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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