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Origin/History :-
The original Prananadeswarar Temple was constructed during the Pallava period using bricks and was later reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chola period, with further extensions added during the Vijayanagara period.
- Chola Kings Tribhuvana Chakravarthi Rajaraja and Tribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan.
- Pallava King Koperunchingan.
- Vijayanagara King Veera Prathapa Krishnadeva Maharayar.
- These inscriptions mention the place as:
- Virutharajabayanga valanattu Manninattu Thirumangalakudi.
- Virutharaja Bayangaravalanattu Vempatrur alias Ethirili Chozha Chathurvedimangalathu Mangalakudi.
- Lord Shiva was referred to as Thirumangalakudi Udayar Prananayanar Koil.
- During Sakalabhuvana Chakravarthikal Avanialapiranthan Koperunchinga’s 25th year reign, an inscription records the installation of Alapiratheeswara mudayar at the Nayagar mandapam by Thondaiman, who purchased and gifted 512 Kizhi land to the temple as Thirunamaththukkani.
- An inscription from Rajaraja’s 24th year reign recounts a drought in the region, during which the temple’s properties were looted. The culprits were identified and punished by judges after investigation.
- During Chola King Kulothunga Chozha’s 16th year reign, taxes were imposed on the temple, with lands measured to determine the tax amounts.
- An inscription from the Vijayanagara King Krishnadevarayar's reign in Saka 1439 (1517 CE) records the abolition of taxes on temple properties.
- Another inscription confirms that the person in Anjali Hastha (a posture of salutation) in the Dakshinamurthy sannadhi is Mullaikudayan Thyagaraja Perumal, also known as Vanavan Pallavarayan.
Sage Galva, through his yogic powers, foresaw that he would be afflicted with leprosy. To protect himself, he prayed to the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities), who agreed to help him. This, however, displeased Brahma, as he believed that only he controlled the destinies of humans. In his anger, Brahma cursed the Navagrahas, causing them to suffer from leprosy. Despite their pleas for mercy, Brahma did not lift the curse but advised them to seek Lord Prananatheswarar’s blessings at Thirumangalakudi. Following Brahma’s advice, the Navagrahams prayed to Lord Shiva and also installed a shrine for Vinayakar and built a temple at the site. Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion, relieved them of Brahma’s curse. In gratitude, Sage Galva built a temple for the Navagrahams at the place where they performed their penance.
Another legend associated with this place is the story of Sage Kalava. He was warned that he would soon be afflicted with leprosy. To prevent this, the sage undertook intense penance and prayed to the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities). However, the Navagrahas informed him that they lacked the power to offer such protection. Enraged, Sage Kalava cursed the Navagrahas to suffer from the same disease he was destined to receive. In distress, the Navagrahas prayed to Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiva advised them to go to this place and worship him for 11 consecutive Sundays. Following Shiva’s guidance, they performed penance, and after completing their worship, Lord Shiva appeared before them and lifted the curse.
The location where the Navagrahas performed their penance became known as Suryanar Koil. Since then, it has become a tradition that devotees visiting Suryanar Koil first offer worship to Lord Shiva at this temple. Suryanar Koil also features individual shrines for each of the nine planets. It is believed that several divine beings and sages have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, including Goddess Parvati, Kaali, Bhooma Devi, Akashvani, Suryan (the Sun God), Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Brahma, and Sage Agasthiyar.