12. SRI TIRUMENINATHAR TEMPLE TIRUCHUZHIAL

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	256th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Pandiya Naadu
Pandiya Naadu	12th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar)

HISTORY:

This is one of the revered Shivastalams in Pandya Naadu, and it has acquired a greater degree of significance in that it is the birthplace of Ramana Maharishi.  This shrine  is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.

Parvati is said to have meditated upon Shiva, seeking his hand in marriage & this event is commemorated in the Amman Tapas Utsavam in the month of Aadi for 10 days each year. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is believed to have visited this temple with the Chera King Cheramaan Perumal.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        The Ramanathapuram rulers have traditionally maintained this temple, which spans an area of about 45000 square feet.

·        There are several shrines and theerthams within this temple complex and around it.

·        Of the Ashtalingams, Velliambalanathar & Somasekharar were worshipped by the Pandya Kings & the Dinakareswara Lingam was worshipped by the Sun, according to the legends associated with this temple.

·        The Kauvaikkadal tank within the temple, with a central mandapam is a beautiful one.

·        The Shiva and Ambal shrines both face the East. Mention must be made of the Pralaya Vitankar and the Palani Andavar shrines in this temple.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Tirumeni Nathar, Sri Bhoominathar
Ambal	Sri Tunaimaalainayaki, Sri Sakayavalli
Theertham	Kauvaikkadal Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Punnai

BELIEF:

Those facing delays in marriage, pray to lord and goddess in their wedding posture.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Purattasi	Sep-Oct	Navarathri
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai
Thai	Jan-Feb	Palani Andavar festival
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Panguni	Mar-Apr	Grand Bhrammotsavam

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is located about 60 Kms from Madurai. The nearest town Aruppukottai is about 15 Kms away from this sthalam.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Tirumeninathar Temple,
Tiruchuzhi,
Virudunagar,
Tamil Nadu – 626129.

LOCATION: