Thirumanancheri - For A Blissful Marriage

Legend

Thirumanancheri is among the popular temples of Lord Shiva, where He is devotedly worshiped as Kalyanasundareswarar and His consort, mother Parvati as Kokilaambal. They are also addressed as 'Arul Vallal' and 'Kuyilinmenmozhiammai'.

As per the legend, Shiva and Parvati have a quarrel and annoyed with Parvati, Shiva curses Parvati to assume a form of a cow and recede to an earthly life. Yet the pangs of separation seemed to have bothered Shiva. Hence he assures her that her brother, Lord Vishnu will aid in resorting her normal form and he( Shiva) at the right time will seek her hand in marriage.

In accordance with the verdict of Shiva, Parvati recedes to an earthly life and amidst her wandering reaches a place called Komal, where Lord Vishnu assumes a form of a cowherd to take care of his sister. He releases her from the clutch of the curse in a place called 'Thiruvaaduthurai' and Parvati sheds her assumed cow's form and takes Her normal form in 'Kuthaalam' in the sacrificial fire of Sage Bharata Muni. Shiva and Parvati then unite in marriage in Thirumanancheri. Shiva is also called as 'Sonavaararivaar' for keeping up His word.

Apart from this legend, it is also believed that in response to Parvati’s wishes to an earthly union in marriage with Shiva, Parvati incarnated herself as the daughter of Bharata Muni. The divine couple tied the knot in Thirumanancheri. Henceforth there is a widespread belief among devotees that this temple answers the prayers of those devotees who face difficulties in getting married as well as those who face problems in their marriage.

An anecdote bearing testimony to the fact is mentioned below.

Two friends due to their close friendship promise to get one's child married to the other in future. In due course of time, one gives birth to a beautiful baby girl and the other to a male child resembling that of a tortoise. The mother of the girl refuses to give her daughter in marriage to her friend's son owing to his peculiar appearance. However the girl overrules her mother while seeking mercy of Lord Shiva in Thirumanancheri with her man. The benevolent lord bestows a normal form to him and unite them in marriage. Henceforth it is believed that the physical appearance of a person that seems to be an obstacle in one's marriage will be taken care of by Kalyanasundareswarar and Kokilaambal by either rectifying it or by blessing with a spouse who has the maturity to look beyond it. Such is the grace of the lord in this shrine.

Worship

People who are to seek blessings for an early marriage carry two garlands, coconuts, lemon, betel leaf, betel nut, sugar and fruits each. After the pooja, one garland is returned to the concerned person along with the other things given for worship. The juice of the lemon is consumed the next day after the bath by the concerned person and the vibhuthi and kumkum are to be smeared on the forehead daily remembering the deities of Thirumanancheri. The garland is to be kept securely and returned to the temple tank once when the wedding is over. This practise has resulted in innumerable speedy weddings. The wedded couple then return to pay their gratitude to the lord.

Temple

The images in the temple are of great beauty. The bronze image of Lord Kalyanasundareswarar dates to 10th century. From the inscriptions the temple can be dated to 10th century. The inscriptions also bear the names of Sembiyan Mahadevi and Parantaka Chola's contribution to the temple. The moat surrounding the temple is said to have been the seven seas that came to witness the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati.

The temple always presents a crowded appearance with people flocking to seek the grace of the lord for marriage issues and for paying their gratitude for boons received. Thirumanancheri is near Mayilaaduthurai and Kutraalam, based in Tanjavur.

So pay a visit and experience the abounding grace of the lord.