Sri ThiruNandheeswarar Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur

 

Moolavar: Sri ThiruNandheeswarar

Amman: Sri Anandavalli Ambal

The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Manavur:

The village of Manavur, once known as Manavur Kottam during the Chozha period, is steeped in history and spirituality. The temple here is believed to be over 1200 years old. After performing his celestial dance at Thiruvalangadu—a divine event witnessed by Karaikal Ammaiyar—Lord Shiva is said to have arrived at Manavur. Here, he granted darshan to Sage Agasthiar, accompanied by his consort Goddess Ananthavalli.

A popular Tamil saying captures this sequence of divine events:

"ஆடியது ஆலங்காட்டில், அமர்ந்தது திருவூறலில், மணந்தது மணவூரில்"

which translates to:

"He danced in Thiruvalangadu, rested in Thiruvooral (modern-day Thakkolam), and married in Manavur."

This is how the village came to be known as Manavur.

Nandi Theertham and the Sacred Legend:

It is believed that Nandhi Bhagavan created a sacred water source here, now revered as the temple tank. He is said to have taken a holy dip in this pond, worshipped Lord Shiva, and was relieved of his curse. Hence, the tank is known as Nandi Theertham, and the presiding deity is called Thirunandeeswarar. The continuous flow of water in the tank is believed to originate from Ganga Devi, who resides in Lord Shiva’s matted hair.

Historical Inscriptions and Legacy:

Inscriptions found in the nearby temples of Koovam and Thakkolam attest to the temple's historical and spiritual importance. Manavur’s origins trace back to the 7th century AD, during the rule of the Kurumbas in the ancient Thondai Mandalam. The region was divided into 24 administrative divisions, with Manavur being the fourth.

Today, this small yet significant village retains its historical charm through ancient inscriptions and exquisite sculptures found in the sanctum sanctorum of the Thirunandeeswarar, Kandaswamy, and Vinayagar temples.

Divine Remedies and Worship Practices:

The temple is renowned for its parihara sthalam (remedial shrine) status:

Worshipping Lord Vinayagar here is believed to cure stomach-related ailments.

Devotees facing financial difficulties worship Goddess Ananthavalli by lighting a lemon-shell lamp for six consecutive weeks, which is believed to help clear debts.

Since Sage Agastya witnessed Lord Shiva’s celestial wedding at this place, couples seeking marriage or facing delays in marriage often worship here to remove obstacles.

Lord Brihaspathi (Guru), present in the outer sannidhi, is worshipped on Thursdays by lighting a ghee lamp, to ensure timely marriage and to overcome marital hurdles.

A Village of Divine Justice:

In traditional village customs, important panchayat decisions or community issues are addressed in gatherings held in front of the deity Poi Solla Pillaiyar. Before taking crucial decisions, villagers make vows in his presence, symbolizing truth and integrity in the community’s decision-making process.

Location: Sri ThiruNandheeswarar Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur