Thiruvathavur Thirumarainathar Temple

The Birthplace of Manickavasagar

Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri

Located in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, the sacred Arulmigu Thirumarainathar Temple stands as one of the most revered Saivite shrines. This temple is special not only because it houses a self-manifested (Swayambu) Shiva Lingam, but also because it is the birthplace of the great Saivite saint and one of the revered Nayanmars – Saint Manickavasagar, the composer of the Tiruvachakam.

History of Thiruvathavur Temple

According to legend, this place was once a large lake. During a fierce battle between the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons), Lord Vishnu sheltered the Devas. The Asuras attacked, and Sage Bhrigu gave them refuge. Lord Vishnu, angered by this, used his discus (chakra) to slay Bhrigu’s wife. Sage Bhrigu, in grief, cursed Vishnu.

To be relieved of the curse, Lord Vishnu came to this very place and worshipped Lord Shiva. At that moment, a cow appeared and poured milk over a lotus in the middle of the lake. From there emerged a Swayambu Shiva Lingam. Vishnu performed puja here and was freed from the curse. Later, the place became famous and a beautiful temple was built around the Lingam.

Thiruvathavur Temple Layout and Specialities

Thiruvathavur is often referred to as the Southern Kalahasti due to its spiritual significance.

• Main Deity: Thirumarainathar (Swayambu Lingam with cow hoof mark)
• Goddess: Thirumarainayagi
• Sacred Tree: Maghizha Maram
• Sacred Tanks: Seven Theerthams – Bhairava Theertham, Brahma Theertham, Vishnu Theertham, Agni Theertham, and others
• Unique Shrine: Lord Shani Bhagavan has a separate shrine here, seated with one leg folded — a rare depiction.

Within the temple premises, the spot where Saint Manickavasagar was born is preserved and revered. There are also separate shrines for Lord Vinayaka, Lord Bhairava, and the poet-saint Kapilar.

Worship Benefits and Significance

This temple is famous for healing rheumatic and nerve-related ailments.

• Devotees suffering from paralysis, joint pain, or nervous disorders perform gingelly oil (nallennai) abhishekam to Lord Shiva. The oil is taken back, applied to the affected area, and it is believed to bring miraculous healing.
• Childless couples pray here for progeny.
• Businessmen and professionals pray here for relief from debts, growth in business (especially those related to iron and coal), and career success.
• Worshipping Lord Bhairava here is believed to remove evil eye, black magic, and negative energies.
• Worshipping Lord Shani Bhagavan here is said to reduce Saturn’s malefic effects and bring progress in life.
• Reciting Tiruvachakam in this temple is considered extremely powerful and spiritually uplifting.

This temple is also one of the Pandya Nadu Paadal Petra Sthalams (sacred shrines praised in the Tevaram hymns).

Major Festivals at Thiruvathavur Temple

• Vaikasi Brahmotsavam (10 days): includes divine wedding (Thirukalyanam) and temple car procession (Ther Ula).
• Chithirai Varadappidari Amman Festival (10 days).
• Aani Utsavam.
• Avani Moolam Festival: special event where Saint Manickavasagar’s horse vahana procession and bow ritual are celebrated.
• Karthigai Deepam and Dolotsavam.
• Maha Shivaratri Festival (during Masi month).

Devotees believe that visiting this temple brings good health, wealth, family happiness, and relief from sins.

Thiruvathavur Temple Timings

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Special poojas are performed on Pradosham, New Moon, Full Moon, and festival days.

How to Reach Thiruvathavur Temple?

By Road: The temple is about 25–27 km from Madurai city. Travel via the Madurai–Melur road, cross Othakadai, and proceed towards Thirumogur. After Thirumogur, you will reach Thiruvathavur.

By Bus: Frequent buses are available from Madurai bus stand to Thiruvathavur.

By Train: Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station. Taxis and autos are easily available from there.

Thiruvathavur Temple Address

Arulmigu Thirumarainathar Temple
Thiruvathavur, Melur Taluk,
Madurai District, Tamil Nadu – 625110

📞 +91 452 234 4360, 63826 80960

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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