41. MARANGIYUR

RAMALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 27kms from Thirukoyilur and 30kms from Villupuram

Shiva: Ramalingaeswarar

Amman: Parvathavarthini

Speciality:

The Marangiyur temple is on the banks of the river Thenpennai.

There are 27 inscriptions in the temple.

The name of the Shiva referred in the inscriptions are Thiruvirameswarar and the name of this place was Rajendra Singa Nallur.

The name of Ambaal according to Kulothunga Cholas inscriptions is Thirupalliyarai Aaludaiyal Kaamakodi Naachiyar.

According to the inscriptions of Konerinmai Kondan Marangiyur is a part of Thirumunaipadi Naadu.

Nandhi mandapam was built by Thirumahalamudaiyar and the sons of Maaringulam. 

Madevi a devadasi (daughter of Kolankondal - who was a devadasi and an ardent devotee of Shiva) constructed the Thirumaligai and Thiruvasal of the temple. 

Aramudaiyar built the palipeetam of the temple. 

Inscriptions of Raja Narayana Sambhuvarayar, Rajadhirajar, Vikrama Cholan, Jadavarman Sundara pandiyan, Maravarman Parakra Pandiya Devan and Veera Bhupathi Udaiyar (Vijayanagar empire) are found here.

Invasions destructed the temple. Some idols have been kept in other temple nearby. Only a few deities other than the Shiva, Ambaal and Nandhi are left behind. An idol of Durga of the 7th century (Sangakala Kotravai) and another tribal deity (about which details are unknown) are found here.

The Jyeshta Devi is found on the Lotus. This is a very rare feature of this deity. Worshipping Jyeshta devi is said to bring peace and harmony in once heart and surroundings. 

The villagers believe that if the eldest son of the family bring offerings and perform pooja to Jyeshta devi on Thursdays there will be no problems internally and externally in the family.

This temple has such a rich heritage which should be cherished by all.

History:

While Rama came in search of Sita (after Sita was kidnapped by Ravana) he came to this place. It was a new moon day. He found this place auspicious to perform his rites (Tharpanam) in the river. He installed a linga and performed his Pithru Tarpana here. This Linga was called after him as Ramalingaeswarar. Those who are not able to go to Rameswaram can perform their rites to their fore fathers here and obtain the blessings of their ancestors.