Sri Nanjundeshwarar Temple / ஸ்ரீ நஞ்சுண்டேஸ்வரர் கோவில், Perumandi S St, Valayapettai Agraharam, மேலக்காவேரி/Melacavery, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Nanjundeshwarar Temple, Melacauvery, Kumbakonam, was a part of the Shiva and Vishnu temples visit on 08^th March 2025, the previous day of the “Sembiyan Mahadeviyar Temples Heritage Tour” organized by கும்பகோணம் வட்டார வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம், on 09^th March 2025. Thanks to Mrs. Vidhya, who accompanied me to this temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Nanjundeswarar

Consort    : Sri Mangalambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east, Balipeedam and Rishabam are in the maha mandapam. Moolavar is on a round avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Ambal is in ardha mandapam faces south. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

Varahi (may be 10^th to 11^th century CE) in standing posture is in the maha mandapam. Bairavar and Chandikeswarar are in the outer praharam.

Varahi

Varahi - a beautiful Chozha sculpture

ARCHITECTURE

The entire temple was constructed with cement concrete, in recent years. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam, and maha mandapam. The ardha mandapam was built in the vavvalnethi style. Bricks are pasted in the ceiling for the antique look.

The adhistanam is of pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam, and pattikai. The Bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam kudam, palakai and vettu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam. The superstructure vimanam is of 2 tiers with a dravida-style sigaram. There are no images found on the tala and greeva koshtams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple belongs to the 10^th to 11^th century CE, the Chozha period. When the temple was in dilapidated condition, both Moolavar and Ambal were moved to Sri Brahmapureeswar temple, which is about 300 meters away from this temple. The original Moolavar and Ambal didn’t return to their original temple; instead, a new Shiva Linga and Ambal were installed. 

The Varahi in the maha mandapam is very old and may belong to the 10^th to 11^th Century.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the Devas and Asuras agreed to churn the milk ocean to amirta. They used Manthara Hill as a mathu and the Vasuki as a rope. In the process of churning, the Vasuki couldn’t bear the pressure and vomited the poison. Shiva consumed the poison. Hence, Shiva is called Nanjundeswarar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala pooja, special poojas are conducted on pradosham and Maha Shivaratri days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the opening and closing times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

Mr. Mani, the caretaker, may be contacted at his mobile number +919787774519 for further details and Darshan.

HOW TO REACH

Sri Nanjundeshwarar Temple, Perumandi S St, Valayapettai Agraharam, at Melacavery, is on the banks of the Kaveri River, 4.1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station.

The nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Sri Mangalambigai.

 

Sri Nanjundeswarar and Sri Mangalambigai belong to this temple and are now near the Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple. 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---