Manneeswarar Mannivakkam

God

Manneeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Maragathambikai, facing south

Other Deities

Dwarapalaka Ganesha, Dwarapalaka Muruga, Kannimoolai Ganapathi, Muruga with Consorts, Bhairava, Navagraha. Sanctum Niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Manneeswarar Mannivakkam is an ancient east facing temple with a single Prakaram. The entrance is through a gateway in the east. A beautifully renovated and maintained temple pond is north and adjacent to the temple. This pond has been reclaimed and renovated by the locals against various problems. The goddess shrine is separate and facing south. A carving of Yoga Anjaneya is in this shrine and has importance. The main Nandi here at Manneeswarar Mannivakkam faces east and not the Lord as usual. An ancient Nandi is also kept here, though not installed.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple tank

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Manneeswarar Mannivakkam is said to date back to the Chola Era and is claimed to have been built by Kulothunga Chola in the 11th Century CE. Stone inscriptions are seen on the temple dating back to the Nayak Kings of the 16th century CE. A 19th Century CE inscription mentions the contribution of a local lady.

Legend

The Nandi at Manneeswarar Mannivakkam faces east as it is believed that the Lord instructed him to go to the protection of a Chola King.

Directions

Manneeswarar Mannivakkam is inside Mannivakkam Village which is 2 kilometers from the Vandalur flyover on the road going to Oragadam.

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops. Closest for food would be Vandalur.