Mangaleswarar Irayanur

Mangaleswarar, Irayanur

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Mangaleswarar, facing west

Goddess

Mangalambikai, facing south

Other Deities

Chandran, Surya, Bala Vinayaka, Bala Murugan, Kala Samhara Bhairava, Anjaneya, Aadhi Sivan. Sanctum Niches – Durga, Brahma, Maha Vishnu, Dakshinamurthy

Mangaleswarar Irayanur is a small west-facing temple. The Shiva Lingam was found abandoned nearby and the temple was built up. The lingam is considered a Swayambu (self occurring or discovered buried in the earth) and is on a square base (Aavudayar). On the north side of the temple are separate shrines for Vinayaka and Muruga. On the northeast side of the temple is a temple pond. A small temple for Aadhi Kesava Perumal and his consort Maragadhavalli is a little distance away.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahma Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Mangaleswarar Irayanur is said to be an old temple based on the Shiva Lingam that was found buried in the earth. The idol of Bhiarava is also said to be an old one. All constructions are new.

Legend

Surya, the sun god is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here at Mangaleswarar Irayanur to regain his shine lost due to a curse by Sage Agastya. The arrogance of Indra made him ignore and show disrespect to Sage Durvasa who cursed him to lose his beauty and power. Lord Indra is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here at Mangaleswarar Irayanur to get back his lost power and appearance. The Kala Bhairava here is believed to have been installed and worshipped by 18 Sidhdhars. Goddess Parvati who lost concentration while listening to Lord Shiva during his sermons was banished to come here and listen to him. Since he preached the goddess here the base of the Lingam is square in shape. Mangaleswarar Irayanur is considered one of the places where Sage Agastya worshiped Lord Shiva.

Directions

Mangaleswarar Irayanur is about 4 kilometers southeast of Tindivinam off the road going towards Pondichery.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tindivanam.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples