The temple at Thirumangalakudi has strong connection to Navagrahas. Lord Shiva in the temple is known as Prananatheswarar and His Consort is Mangalambikgai. The Shivalingam at this temple is a swayambumurthi. A unique feature of this temple is that the Linga portion of the Shivalingam is shorter than the Avudayar’s height. The temple is a Pancha Mangala Kshetra; Thirumangalakudi is the village name, the Goddess is Mangalambigai, the theertham is mangala theertham, Mangala Vimanam and Mangala Vinayakar are the five. There are two theerthams in the temple viz Surya theertham and Chandra Theertham. There are no Dwarapalakas at the entrance to Shiva’s shrine. Instead, you find Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathy in a sitting posture (padmasana).
Prananatheswarar temple, Thirumangalakudi.
About the temple. Prananatheswarar temple, Thirumangalakudi.
Marriage festival is celebrated only during day time at most temples. At Thirumangalakudi marriage festival is celebrated during night. This Kalyana Utsavam is celebrated on the seventh day of Brahmmotsavam. The event is followed by wedding feast.
Temple tank. Prananatheswarar temple, Thirumangalakudi.
The legend says that Kalava Munivar had the rare ability to see the future. One fine day, he realised that he was soon going to be affected by leprosy. Since the Navagrahas controlled all the aspects of ones life, he prayed to the Navagrahas and sought to be saved from the disease. Pleased by his devotion, the Navagrahas granted his wish. On coming to know of this, Brahma was furious because nobody had the right to change the destiny of a person. He cursed all the nine planets that they will have to undergo what Kalava munivar was destined to, and hence all the nine planets were affected by leprosy. The Navagrahas apologised and requested to know how they could overcome this curse. Brahma advised them to go the Thirumangalakudi and worship Prananatheswarar, at Vellerukkakadu, who alone could help them. After worshiping Prananatheswarar and his consort Mangalambigai, they installed an idol of Vinayakar a little away from there and started their penance. By God’s grace they attained papa vimochanam (salvation from their sin). Kalava Munivar, for whom the Navagraha had undergone all the trouble, as a mark of gratitude, raised a temple at the same spot where the Navagrahas had performed their penance. Devotees are first required to have the darshan of Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi before visiting Suryanar Koil. Thirumangalakudi is just 1 km from Suryanar Koil, and is situated in the same village.
Once King Kulothunga’s Minister Alaivanar was building a temple from the tax collected without obtaining the King’s permission. The King had him beheaded when he came to know about this. As his death wish, the minister requested that he be cremated in Thirumangalakudi. His wife prayed to the Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi and brought back her husband to life. The Minister and his wife prayed to the Lord and His Consort that all women praying here must be blessed with Mangalya Bhalam. Women pray to the Goddess here for long life and the well being of their spouse. Women are given Mangal Sutra at Magalambikai’s shrine. Women worship at Mangalambigai’s shrine for five consecutive Monday’s to be blessed with Mangalya Bhalam. Worship benefits include; being blessed with progeny, removal of hurdles in getting married, marital bliss, victory over enemies and prosperity.
Abishegam is performed daily to the Maragatha Lingam present in Nataraja’s shrine. The abishegam is performed using a valampuri sangu. Milk rose water, honey and sandal are the materials used for abishegam. It is a staunch belief that consuming this prasad will cure a person of all diseases. The Navagrahas had offered curd rice to the Lord without salt in it. Curd rice without salt in it is offered during the mid day puja. People offer curd rice to the Lord for pitru kadan nivarthi.
This temple is very ancient and existed before Navagraha worship came into vogue and hence there is no Navagraha sannidhi.
Temple Timing: 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m
Temple Location:
View Around Kumbakonam in a larger map
Nearby Temples:
Thirupananthal
Thiruvidaimarudhur Mahalingaswamy temple
Temple Address:
Arulmigu Prananatheswarar Temple,
Thirumangalakudi-612 102.
Thanjavur district.
Phone: +91-435 – 247 0480.