Maanturai Kshetram: Paadal Petra Sthalam of Forgiveness, Healing, and Divine Grace

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Location

  • Village: Mandurai (also known as Maanturai)
  • District: Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu
  • Located near Lalgudi, about 15 km northeast of Trichy city.

Presiding Deities

  • Main Deity: Amravaneswarar (Lord Shiva), also known as Maanthuraiyappar
  • Consort: Balambigai (also referred to as Surakthivarai Amman)

Subshrines and Unique Icons

  • Separate shrine for Balambigai Devi beside the main sanctum
  • Navagraha shrine for planetary relief
  • Stucco depictions of legends including:
    • Shiva bestowing a mango to a deer
    • Worship by Surya, Chandra, Vishnu, Indra, and Mrikandu Munivar
  • Temple tank: Gayatri Nadi, said to be brought by Brahma
  • Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): Mango tree

Temple Significance

  • One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in Thevaram hymns by Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar
  • Associated with the legend of Shiva absolving Brahma’s false claim during the column of fire episode
  • Believed to bless devotees with relief from Balagruha doshas and planetary afflictions
  • Architectural features include:
    • Three-tiered Rajagopuram
    • Two inner corridors
    • Rich Chola-era inscriptions
  • Celebrates Chittirai festival for 15 days annually

History

  • The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Thevaram hymns by Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar during the 7th–8th centuries.
  • It was expanded by the Chola kings in the 11th century, with inscriptions and structural enhancements reflecting their patronage.
  • The temple continues to be maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

  • The name Maanturai comes from the legend where Lord Shiva gifted a mango to a deer (maan in Tamil), symbolizing divine compassion.
  • Surya, Chandra, Vishnu, Indra, and Mrikandu Munivar are said to have worshipped Shiva here under a mango tree, which is the temple’s Thala Virutcham.
  • Brahma, who falsely claimed to have seen the top of Shiva’s fiery column, was absolved of his sin here after bringing the Gayatri Nadi as part of his penance.
  • The temple is also linked to Indra’s redemption for deceiving Ahalya, adding layers of mythological depth.

Architecture

  • Built in Dravidian style, the temple spans 1.5 acres and features:
    • A three-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower)
    • Two inner corridors (prakaram)
    • A sacred temple tank called Gayatri Nadi
  • Stucco panels depict the deer receiving the mango and other divine episodes.
  • Niches in the sanctum walls house Brahma and Vishnu, a rare architectural inclusion.

Rituals

The temple follows Shaiva Agamic traditions, specifically the Kameekam Agama. Daily worship includes:

  • Six Kaala Poojas from morning to night
  • Abhishekam to Amravaneswarar and Balambigai Devi
  • Milk abhishekam offered especially for children affected by Balagruha doshas
  • Special vastra alankaram and archana on auspicious days

Festivals

The temple celebrates 12 major annual festivals, with the most prominent being:

  • Chittirai Brahmotsavam (April–May):
    A 15-day festival reenacting temple legends, including Shiva gifting a mango to a deer
  • Maha Shivaratri:
    Night-long worship and special abhishekams
  • Pradosham:
    Bi-monthly observance with emphasis on Shiva’s cosmic dance and compassion
  • Navaratri and Karthigai Deepam also observed with grandeur

Beliefs

  • Worship here is believed to remove planetary afflictions, especially for children
  • Devotees seek blessings for:
    • Santana bhagyam (childbirth)
    • Marital harmony
    • Relief from Balagruha doshas
  • The Navagraha shrine is a focal point for astrological remedies
  • Shiva is said to have absolved Brahma and Indra here, making it a kshetram of forgiveness and healing

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 7.00 AM – 11.30 AM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM – 7.30 PM
  • Open all days, with extended hours during festivals and Pradosham

Getting Here

By Train:

  • Nearest Station: Lalgudi Railway Station (~6 km)
  • Well-connected to Tiruchirappalli Junction (Trichy), a major hub with trains from Chennai, Madurai, and Bengaluru.

By Bus:

  • Frequent buses from Trichy Central Bus Stand to Lalgudi or Mandurai village.
  • From Lalgudi, autos or local taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air:

  • Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) (~25 km)
  • From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Lalgudi, then proceed to Mandurai.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6–8 AM) or evening (5–7 PM) for serene darshan
  • Photography: Allowed outside; inside sanctum may be restricted—check with temple staff
  • Festivals: Plan around Chittirai Brahmotsavam or Pradosham for vibrant rituals
  • Essentials: Carry water, temple-friendly attire, and offerings like milk or flowers

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