The
visit to this Sri Arunjunai Kaatha Ayyanar Temple at Mela Pudukudi, near
Thoothukudi was a part of “Temples, Heritage Sites and archaeological
excavation sites Visit around Thoothukudi”,
between Dec 1st and 2nd December 2023. This temple
is at Pudukudi, a Village inside the Therikadu, near Thiruchendur in
Thoothukudi District.
Moolavar
: Sri Ayyanar
Consorts
: Sri Poorna & Puskala
Some
of the salient features of this temple
are..
The
temple is facing east with Elephants, Horse in front of the temple under a
mandapam. The natural temple tank / Water spring is on the right side of the
temple. Moolavar Sri Ayyanar is with his consorts on both sides in sitting
posture. Utsavars are in the antarala. Nagar and Lamp stand in stone are at the
entrance of Sanctum Sanctorum. Stucco images of Ayyanar, Kalasamharamoorthy,
Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vinayagar, Maha Vishnu’s Vamana avatar, Rama
avatar, Kannappar purana, Amman’s various forms, are on the Parapet wall of the
mandapam.
In
praharam, Pechi Amman, Navagrahas, elephant, Horse, Rishabam, Sudalaimadan,
Isakki Amman, Parameswari Amman, Vannichi Amman, Karuppasamy, Periyandavar,
etc,.
Moolavar was like this latter images are installed in the sanctum
ARCHITECTURE
The
Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam and open mukha mandapam.
The Sanctum Sanctorum was built with stone in Gramiya style. There are no
Kostas.
The
praharam ceilings has the stucco images of Shiva and Parvati’s Dances, Lions,
Snakes, Kalinga Narthanar, 12 Rasis, etc,.
Lions - Most difficult to make stucco sculptures on the ceiling
Nagars - Most difficult to make stucco sculptures on the ceiling
Kalinga Narthana - Most difficult to make stucco sculptures on the ceiling
History & Inscriptions
It
was told that the tree trunk was formed in the form of Ayyanar. Latter a
separate temple was built and Ayyanar with Poorna and Pushkala images are
installed in the sanctum sanctorum.
This
temple belongs to Mela Pudukudi Gramam Ettu Pangu Nadar Community. The Daily
news paper owner Pa Sivandhi Adhithanar, had donated for the construction of
this temple.
Jeernodharana
Ashta bandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was performed on 26th March 1980
and 06th July 2003.
LEGENDS
As
per the legend, during ancient times this place was ruled by the King
Singavarman, from Srivaikuntam. A lady called Kanakamani used to carry water from
this natural spring of the temple. One day, while carrying the water, the water
spilled on a Munivar, who was doing a dhabas. The Muni woke up from the dhabas,
with anger cursed Kanakamani that if any body drinks water from her, will die
and further She will die for the sin, which she has not committed. If She
reveals this She will die. Fearing the Munivar’s curse, Kanakamani begged to
pardon her. The Munivar said that he cannot withdraw the curse, instead he had
given the boon of attaining Swargaloka, after her death.
One
day Kanakamani as usual carried water from this spring to home. On the way a
mango fruit had fallen in to the pot, which was not known to her. The King
Singavarman was fond of this mango and directed his soldiers to guard the mango
tree. The Soldiers are surprised that the ripe Mango, which was hanging from
the tree was missing . The soldiers searched everywhere and couldn’t find. On the
were very thirsty and asked Kanakamani to give water to drink from the pot. Remembering
the Munivar’s curse, She refused to give them. The Soldiers suspected her and
asked to show the pot. When they inspected, they found the mango was in the
pot. So they took her to the King and King in turn ordered to Kill her for
stealing the mango. When She told that She didn’t know how the mango came in to
the pot. A brave lady in the court also argued with the King that Kanakamani
has not done the crime ( it is believed that the brave lady was none other than
Pechchi Amman ). The King didn’t accept
her statement and ordered his soldiers to kill her.
Since
Kanakamani was an ardent devotee of Sastha / Ayyanar, before dying, Kanakamani
prayed to Sastha, that he will be responsible for her death. Immediately Sastha
appeared before her and said, if She wishes, he will give back her life. Kanakamani,
denied to get back her life, instead asked a boon that she should become the
Spring, and cures the deceases of people who consumes the water after her
death. Sastha granted her wish and stationed in this temple itself to bless his
devotees along with his consorts.
Kanakamani used to take water from this pond.
Pechi Amman Sannidhi... Pechi Amman who argued with the King for Kanakamani
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas, Special poojas are conducted on pournami, Amavasya and
Panguni Uthiram Days. The people, who worships Ayyanar as Kula Deivam do
tonsuring, ear boring ceremony of their Children at this temple. And special poojas are done on these days.
Devotees
worships Ayyanar for Child boon, to remove marriage obstacles, to get a good
Job, to flourish in the business etc,.
THE TEMPLE TIMINGS
The
temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The
Mobile number +9172999 62345, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
This
Arunjunai Katha Ayyanar Temple at Mela Pudukudi is about 2 KM from Ammanpuram,
which is about 45 KM from Tirunelveli to Thiruchendur Road.
One
the way to Thiruchendur from Tirunelveli, get down at Ammanpuram and there are
Autos available to reach the temple.
The
temple is about 14 KM from Thiruchendur,
38.2 KM from Thoothukudi and 45 KM from Tirunelveli.
Nearest
Railway station is Thiruchendur.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Naga devathai
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
