Mangalambigai Sametha Mangalyeswarar Koil at Edaiyathumangalam is the temple that people born under Uthiram star have to visit regularly. This is the third temple that I am writing about in this series of “Birth Star Temples or Nakshathiram Temples”. This Uthiram Star temple is special to me as my forefathers hail from this village – my native place. Unfortunately, during my last visit in January, my camera malfunctioned and I am unable to post photographs of this temple. I shall post a couple of snaps after my next visit to this temple.
Gurukal Srinivasan ouside the Mangalambigai shrine, Edayathumangalam
This place is called Edaiyathumangalam as it was once situated between two rivers; Aaru means, river and Edai means, in between. Mangalyeswarar (as Lord Shiva is known at this temple) is present with His Consort Mangalambigai. Mangalyeswarar is facing East while Mangalambigai is facing South. This is quite a small temple and has shrines for Vinayakar, Mangalya Maharishi, Dakshinamurthy, Bitchandar, Ardhanareeswarar, Chandikeswarar, Durgai, Nandi and Navagrahas. Lord Muruga is also present with His Consorts, Valli and Deivayanai.
Outside Mangalyeswarar sannidhi, Edayathumangalam
The Legend here is connected with Mangalya Maharishi who was born under Uthiram Nakshathiram. Marriages of Agasthiyar, Vashishtar and Bhairava Maharishis were conducted under his aegis. He is supposed to have all the powers of his penance in his palms. He is the Guru of the Angels that bless the marriages. At the auspicious time that is suitable for marriage, these Angels are believed to be visiting this temple to pray to Mangalyeswarar and re-energise their power to bless married women with a long & happy marital life. Their blessings are always at the peak during Uthira nakshathiram. It is because of this reason that the Kalyana Utsavam or the Celestial Wedding of the God and Goddess are held during Uthiram nakshathiram day in the Tamil month of Panguni. Panguni Uthiram is an important part of the calendar in most temples.
Young unmarried women – especially those born under Uthiram – pray at this temple seeking Lord’s blessing for early marriage, removal of hurdles causing delay in marriage, long & happy marital life. Mangalya Maharishi is the First invitee when the marriage alliance is finalised. Devotees place the First Invitation of the marriage at the feet of Mangalya Maharishi and invite him to grace the marriage and bless the young couple. Mangalya Maharishi is believed to attend the marriage and bless the newly weds. After the marriage the newly weds visit this temple for thanks-giving. Married women pray for longevity of their Husband’s life. Elderly and destitute who have been deserted by their children are reunited with their family after worship here. People suffering from chronic pain in their feet are relived of their ailment after prayers to Mangalyeswarar.
Click here to listen to the temple priest’s narration about this temple in Tamil.
Location:
Edayathumangalam is at a distance of about 18 Kms from Trichy. There are a couple of buses viz Route nos 75 & 75 A from Trichy Chathiram Bus Stand to Lalgudi that pass through Edaiyathumangalam. Edaiyathumangalam is at a distance of about 5 Kms from Lalgudi. Autos charge about Rs.70/- for a one way trip from Lalgudi.
Those going by their own mode of transport need not go up to Lalgudi. You will find an arch on the right hand side just after Valadi, take a right turn there and this road will lead you to Edaiyathumangalam.
Other Temples Nearby:
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
Srirangam Temple
Jambukeswarar Koil at Thiruvanaikaval
Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Koil
Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple at Anbil
Temple Timings: 7 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM (Check before you go there. It is likely that the temple priest may decide to close early or open late due to some reason as there are not many pilgrims visiting this temple.
Temple Address:
Sri Mangalyeswarar Koil
Edaiyathumangalam Post
Via Valadi
Lalgudi Taluk
Trichy District
Pin 621218
Phone: 91-431-2544070,
Sri Srinivasa Gurukkal – 91-98439-51363
Related Articles
- Uthamar Koil or Bitchandar Koil (rajamala.wordpress.com)
- Thiruvaneswarar Temple for Pooratadhi Nakshathiram (rajamala.wordpress.com)
- Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Koil (rajamala.wordpress.com)
- Nakshathiram Temples or Birth Star Temples (rajamala.wordpress.com)
- Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, Thirunallur (rajamala.wordpress.com)