Thirumangalakudi

God

Praananadeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Mangalanayagi, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, 11 Shivalingams, Gajalakshmi, Bhairava, Nataraja, Nalvar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durga

Thirumangalakudi is famous for the five Mangalas (Pancha Mangala Kshetram) – Mangala Vimaanam, Mangala Vinayaka, Mangalambigai, Mangalatheertham, Mangalakudi. Rows of coconut trees welcome you as you walk in to reach the 5 tier Rajagopuram and enter this ancient temple. There is a large temple pond in front of the temple and the temple itself is large.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Mangalatheertham, Cauvery

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vellurukku (Calotropis procera), Kongilavam (Cochlospermum religiosum)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thirumangalakudi.

Legend

Mahakali, Surya, Vishnu, Brahma and Sage Agastya are believed to have worshiped here at Thirumangalakudi. A Minister who was mutilated and killed by the King for taking the tax money to construct this temple is said to have been resurrected by the goddess on the plea of his wife, thus giving her back her Maangalyam, hence the name of the temple is Thirumangalakudi.

Directions

Thirumangalakudi is 2 kilometers north of Aaduthurai.

Stay and Food

Kumbakonam or Mayiladuthurai are the best options.