92. MANANTHAKUDI

EKAMBARAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 25kms from Mayiladuthurai and 10kms from Nannilam

Shiva: Ekambaraeswarar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Theertham: Hanuman Theertham

Speciality:

The name of the place was earlier called Hanuman Aanandha Kudi which by local language has been changed to Manandhakudi.

The Ekambaraeswarar faces east and Kaamakshi faces south.

There is a special Mangala Hanuman Sannidhi in this temple.

Special poojas are performed to Hanuman on Amavasya Days (New moon day) and the days when the Moolam Star occurs.

The Dhakshinamurthy is very different in this temple. Normally in the Dhakshinamurthy Peetam we find the 4 Sanagadhi Munivars (Sanagar, Sanandhar, Sanaadhanar and Sanathkumarar). In this temple we find the Saptha Rishis  (Athri, Brihu, Aangeerasar, Kutsar, Vyasar, Gautamar and Vasishtar) also along with Sanagadhi Munivars in the Dhakshinamurthy peetam.

The Navagrahas are seen with their spouses in sitting posture in the temple. According to legends, Hanuman tied the Navagrahas with his tail. Therefore they are said to be afraid of Hanuman. In this temple they are with their spouses such that Hanuman would not disturb them. The Navagraha Sannidhi is under the direct vision of Hanuman. As they are under the straight supervision of the Mangala Anjaneyar all Graha Dhoshas are relieved from people who worship Hanuman and the Navagrahas here. People who have astrological disturbances in their horoscope pray by tying 'Mattai Thengai' (coconut with husks) in the temple. People with Nagadhosha install Nagas (Naga Pradhishtai) and perform pooja to Rahu and Kedhu of Navagrahas.

In the place of the Lingotbhavar to the west of the Main shrine we find Idumban Sannidhi in a sudhai form. This Sannidhi is directly opposite to the Subramaniyar Sannidhi. The right leg of Idumban is a little front of the left leg as though he is waiting for the call of Subramanya to run to serve him.

The other Sannidhis in the Prahara are Karpaga Vinayaka, Gajalakshmi, Mariyamman and the Linga Installed by Hanuman for Worship and another Baana Linga brought from else where. 

Apart from Dhakshinamurthy and Idumban there is a Durga Sannidhi in the Deva Koshta. 

The Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar and Suriyan are also found.

There is a separate Saneeswarar Sannidhi with his crow Vahana.

People with Nagadhosha perform milk Abhisheka to the Nagar Sannidhi which is found beside the Suryan.

We find only the Shiva Nandhi and there is no Vahana in front of Amman Kaamakshi.

History:

Kartavirya was a devotee of Shiva. One day when he was performing Shiva Pooja Hanuman (in his young age) disturbed him. Kartavirya warned young Hanuman many times but he kept on disturbing him again and again. Kartavirya gor angry and cursed Hanuman. Later Hanuman realsied his mistake and requested Lord Shiva to tell him the way to get relief from the curse. As suggested by the Lord He came to this place and worshipped Lord Ekambaraeswarar with Amman here. Amman appeared in front of him and gave him Saapa Vimochana (relief from curse). He also installed a Linga on his own and this Linga is seen in the Prahara of this temple. Hanuman was very happy on getting relieved from his curse and he jumped with joy. Therefore this place was known as Hanuman Aanandha Kudi (the place where Hanuman jumped with joy). He requested Amman Kamakshi to render the boon of all wealth fortune and health to everyone who visit this temple and worship Ekambaraeswarar, Kamakshi and himself. Therefore the Hanuman here is in a separate special shrine called Mangala Anjaneyar who bestows everyone from all fortunes and relives them from all misfortunes.

The priest of the temple Shri. Somasundhara Gurukkal is a very polite and kind person who helps us in the Dharshan of the temple without any hesitation. He blesses the devotees with auspicious words and people who visit the temple return with hearts full of joy.