Marthandeeswarar Karungulam

Marthandeeswarar, Karungulam

Saivite Temples - Thoothukudi

God

Marthandeeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kulasekharanayaki, facing south

Other Deities

Mahadevar, Dharmasamvardhini, Adhikara Nandi, Surya, Juradevar, 63 Nayanmar, Vinayakar, Pancha Bootha Lingams, Muruga with consorts, Saneeswara, Bhairava, Navagraha, Chandran, Naagar

Marthandeeswarar Karungulam is an east-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. There are two main deities and consorts here. The second one is Mahadevar and his consort is Dharmasamvardhini. The sanctum of this lord is on the northeast side. The Navagrahas are seen with their consorts here at Marthandeeswarar Karungulam. The temple is on a small mound and can be reached by a small flight of steps. The entire inner prakaram is covered and has a common Mahamandapam with carved pillars. The exit of the sanctum sanctorum in the south also has a small mandapam leading into the outer Prakaram and a gate leading outside which is kept closed. The Tamiraparani flows east of Marthandeeswarar Karungulam in a north-to-south direction. A small Ayyappa temple is in front and a beautiful Venkatachalapathi Temple is on the hill behind Marthandeeswarar Karungulam. A temple for Navadurga (9 forms of Durga – Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri) – is located adjacent.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Tamiraparani River, Sambu Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Pala (Jack fruit – Artocarpus heterophyllus), Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Marthandeeswarar Karungulam is said to have been built by a king called Marthandeswara who ruled the Karungulam area about 800 years ago. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Marthandeeswarar Karungulam was built by a king called Marthandeeswara in whose dreams the lord appeared and asked him to build his temple here. Later another King called Singanadan who ruled some other parts was advised to come here and worship the lord to get rid of a chronic stomach ailment. He did so and recovered.

Directions

Marthandeeswarar Karungulam is about 13 kilometers southeast of Tirunelveli in the Tiruchendur Road.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest for food and stay is Tirunelveli.

error: Content is protected !!