The Thirumanancheri Udhvaganathar Temple (திருமணஞ்சேரி உத்வாகநாதர் கோயில்) is a Hindu temple located in Thirumanancheri, within the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Udhvaganathar. His consort is known as Kokhila. This temple is also referred to as the Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Swamy Temple.
Timings
The temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The temple is believed to have been built in the 6th century CE. It was entirely converted into a granite structure by Queen Chembian Madevi, the wife of Gandaraditya Chola and the mother of Uthama Chola. Throughout its history, the temple received royal patronage from the Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Nayak rulers.
Approximately 28 inscriptions have been recorded from this temple, dating back to the reigns of various kings, including:
Kulothunga Chola III
Jadavarman Sundara Pandya
Maravarman Sundara Pandyan
Hoysala King Veera Ramanatha
Nayak Kings
Most of these inscriptions document the gifts and grants made for the temple's maintenance, taxes levied for conducting rituals and festivals, administrative activities, feeding Brahmins and Shiva Yogis, and renovation efforts undertaken at the temple.
Puranic Significance :-
At Thirumanancheri, a divine event unfolded when Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi were playing a game of dice in Kailash. To teach Parvathi a lesson, Lord Shiva intentionally let her win each game. Overjoyed by her victories, Parvathi became arrogant and overly proud. Observing her pride, Lord Shiva cursed her to be born as a cow on earth.
Parvathi was born as a cow in Therazhundur, with Lord Vishnu acting as her cowherd. In her cow form, she worshipped Lord Shiva at Thirukozhambam. During her worship, she accidentally struck the Shiva Linga, leaving a hoof mark, which can still be seen on the Linga at Thirukozhambam.
Parvathi, in her cow form, then travelled to Thiruvaduthurai and continued her worship of Lord Shiva, seeking relief from the curse. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva restored her to her original form. However, Parvathi desired to marry Lord Shiva on earth, following all traditional and religious rites.
At the same time, Sage Bharatha performed a Putra Kameshti Yagna at Thiruthuruthi, seeking the boon of a child. To fulfil Goddess Parvathi's wish for an earthly marriage, Lord Shiva caused her to appear as a child from the Yagna Kunda. Sage Bharatha lovingly raised her as his own daughter.
When Parvathi reached marriageable age, Sage Bharatha became anxious about finding a suitable groom for her. He prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance. In response, Lord Shiva appeared in the sage’s dream, assuring him that He would marry Parvathi and revealing that she was none other than the Goddess herself.
Overjoyed, Sage Bharatha made arrangements for the divine marriage. He welcomed Lord Shiva, his future son-in-law, at Ethirkolpadi, and the Yagna (Velvi) for the wedding ceremony was conducted at Thiruvelvikudi.
According to legend, Manmathan once disturbed Lord Shiva while He was meditating at Korukkai. Enraged by this interruption, Lord Shiva opened His third eye, releasing fire that burned Manmathan to ashes. Manmathan's wife, Rati, deeply grieved by her husband's death, fell at the feet of Lord Shiva at this temple and pleaded for his life (Mangalya Bhiksha).
Moved by Rati’s devotion, Lord Shiva granted her wish and brought Manmathan back to life. However, he was revived in two forms—one in flesh and blood for Rati, and the other as a formless state for the rest of the world.
According to legend, two girls once promised each other that their future children—a son and a daughter—would marry. One of them later gave birth to a beautiful girl, while the other had a boy who was turtle-shaped. Upon seeing the boy's disability, the mother of the girl refused the marriage.
In distress, the boy’s mother prayed to Lord Shiva at this temple. Moved by her plea, Lord Shiva transformed the turtle-shaped boy into a handsome young man, and the marriage took place successfully. Devotees now worship Lord Shiva here for relief from physical disabilities.
Do's and Don'ts
Pray to your Ishta Devata before the pilgrimage.
Contact the Temple Devasthanam information centre for inquiries and Pooja details.
Reserve travel and accommodation in advance.
Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on the deities inside the temple.
Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly.
Observe ancient customs and traditions.
Respect religious sentiments.
Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worship.
No smoking or consuming alcohol on the premises.
Avoid non-vegetarian food in the temple area.
Do not seek quick darshan through mediators.
No weapons are allowed inside.
Avoid wearing headgear like helmets, caps, or hats.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Limit time during Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
Do not purchase spurious prasadams from vendors.
Avoid encouraging beggars in the temple.
Do not spit or create a nuisance on the premises.
Dress Code
For Men:
Traditional Attire: Wear dhoti, lungi, or kurta-pyjama.
Shirts: If wearing a shirt, it should preferably be plain and modest.
For Women:
Traditional Attire: Wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other modest traditional clothing.
Length: Dresses should preferably cover the legs and shoulders.
The best season to visit the temple is during the Winter months from November to February. During this period, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the temple and participating in its religious activities. Major festivals, such as Masi Maha Shivaratri and Margazhi Thiruvathirai, take place during this season, offering a rich cultural and spiritual experience for devotees.
Another favorable season is Spring from March to May, when the weather is warmer but still comfortable in the mornings and evenings. This time of year is special for the Kalyana festival, typically held in April or May, which attracts many devotees and adds to the temple's vibrant atmosphere. This season offers an opportunity to witness the temple's festivals and cultural practices while enjoying the mild climate.
How to reach :-
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 140 km away. From Airport: Hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: Mayiladuthurai Junction, about 7 km from the temple. From Station: Take a taxi or local transport to the temple.
By Bus: From Mayiladuthurai: Local Buses: Frequent buses are available from Mayiladuthurai to Thirumanancheri (about 7 km away). You can board local buses or take an auto-rickshaw for a quick ride.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
Cities Near the Temple:
Thirumanancheri: The village where the temple is located.
Mayiladuthurai: Approximately 5 kilometres away, it's the nearest town and a key urban centre in the district.
Kuthalam: About 9 kilometres away, known for its temples and cultural significance.
Sirkazhi: Roughly 13 kilometres from the temple, another significant town with historical temples.
Rivers Near the Temple:
Kaveri River: Located approximately 15 kilometres from the temple, this major river is significant for its religious and cultural importance in Tamil Nadu.
Vettar River: A smaller river flowing through the region, contributing to the local ecology and agriculture.
24d49b.png)