Valivalam Manathunainathar Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

Location

Situated in Valivalam village, Thirukuvalai Taluk, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
Lies in the fertile Chozha Nadu region, south of the river Cauvery.

Presiding Deities

Main deity (Moolavar): Lord Shiva as Manathunainathar (also called Idhaya Kamala Nadhar).
Consort (Ambal): Goddess Parvati, worshipped as Maazhai Onkanni, also known as Valaiyanganni, Angayarkanni, or Madhyayadakshi.

Subshrines & Associated Figures

The temple is classified as a Madastalam (structure elevated so elephants cannot enter).

Temple Significance

One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (sacred Shiva temples praised in Tevaram hymns).
Specifically, it is the 238th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 121st sthalam south of the Cauvery.
Revered in hymns by the three great Saivite saints (Moovar): Tirugnanasambandar, Appar, and Sundarar.
Considered one of the 44 temples where all three saints composed hymns.

History

The temple was built by Early Chola king Kocengannan, who is famous for constructing Maadakoils (temples elevated so elephants cannot enter).
It has been renovated in later centuries but retains its medieval Chola architectural style.
The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Tevaram hymns by all three Saivite saints—Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnanasambandar.

Legends

A notable legend involves Valian, a bird (karikkuruvi), who worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Lord blessed the bird with the Mrityunjaya Mantra, symbolizing liberation from death.
Other devotees associated with the temple include Surya (Sun God), Karanamamunivar, and the Pandavas, who are believed to have worshipped here.

Architecture

Classified as a Madastalam (Maadakoil): the sanctum is built on a raised platform, preventing elephants from entering.
Main sanctum (garbhagriha): houses Lord Shiva as Manathunainathar (also called Idhaya Kamala Nadhar).
Ambal shrine: Goddess Parvati as Maazhai Onkanni (Valaiyanganni).
Subshrines: Surya, Pandavas, saint Kocengannan, Arunagirinathar.
Sacred tree (Sthala Vriksha): Punnai tree.
Sacred tank (Tirtha): Sankara Tirtham.

Rituals

Daily Poojas: Traditional Shiva Agama rituals are performed four times a day—Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, and Ardha Jamam.
Special Offerings: Devotees perform abhishekam with milk, honey, and sacred ash (vibhuti), along with chanting of the Mrityunjaya Mantra.
Ambal Worship: Goddess Maazhai Onkanni is offered special kumkum archana and vilakku pooja (lamp worship).
Pitru Rituals: The temple is considered auspicious for ancestral rites, believed to bring peace to departed souls.

Festivals

Mahashivaratri: Celebrated grandly with night-long abhishekam and bhajans.
Thiruvadirai (Arudra Darshan): Marks Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance; special rituals are performed.
Navaratri: Dedicated to Goddess Ambal, with daily alankarams and cultural programs.
Monthly Pradosham: Highly significant; devotees throng to seek relief from karmic burdens.
Annual Brahmotsavam: A major festival with processions, music, and Vedic chanting.

Beliefs

Believed to remove mental worries and confusions (manakkalakam).
Worship here is said to grant peace to ancestors’ souls.
Devotees believe Lord Shiva here guides those who feel directionless, offering clarity and protection.

The Mrityunjaya mantra legend reinforces faith in overcoming fear of death and attaining liberation.
Saints like Tirugnanasambandar and Sundarar praised the temple as a place of divine grace and prosperity.

Temple Hours

Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Daily Shiva Agama poojas are performed at traditional timings (Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Ardha Jamam).

Getting Here

By Road: Accessible via buses and taxis from Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam.
By Train: Nearest stations are Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam.
By Air: Closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~130 km).

Tips

Best Time to Visit: During Mahashivaratri or Pradosham for vibrant rituals; mornings are peaceful for meditation.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is encouraged (dhoti for men, saree/salwar for women).
Sacred Spots: Visit the Sankara Tirtham (temple tank) and Punnai tree (sacred tree).
Accessibility: As a Maadakoil, the sanctum is elevated—steps may be steep, so plan for elderly visitors.
Nearby Temples: Combine your trip with other Paadal Petra Sthalams in Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts for a spiritual circuit.