Sri Madhuvaneswarar Temple, Nannilam

The Chola King Kochenganan constructed several Maadak Koils, one of which is the Sri Madhuvaneswarar Temple. The central tower of this east-facing temple has no tiers. The Gopuram has been replaced with a stunning sculpture that shows Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. Before that, on September 15, 1996, there was a consecration ceremony known as Maha Kumbabishekam, which was held on September 14, 2008. This temple’s Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi.

History of the Temple

Sundaravani, Madhuvanam, Devaranyam, Sundaravanam, and Bruhathpuram are the historical names for this location. This location was given the name Nannilam since it is surrounded by lush agricultural land (in Tamil, “nalla” means good, and “nilam” means land). Situated on the southern bank of the Mudikondan River lies this old temple. This location is called Nannilam, and the temple is called “Perungkoil” (large temple). The Chola King Kochenganan constructed this temple in the ninth century, according to stone inscriptions found within.

Deities in the Temple & Salient Features

In addition to the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, one may see shrines and statues in the hallways honoring Sidhi Vinayakar, Vinayakar, Nagar, Murugan, and his consorts, Bairavar, Suryan, Saneeswarar, Chithra Guptha, Navagraham, and Chandikeswarar.

The idols of Durgai, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Narthana Vinayakar are seen in the “koshtam,” the area encircling the sanctum sanctorum. The corridor has Shivalingams that are revered by Sage Agasthiyar (Sri Agastheeswarar lingam) and Lord Brahma (Sri Mahadeva lingam). The passageways also house the Shiva lingams, which are revered by the lords Yama, Varuna, Indran, and Guberan.

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar stated in his song that Kochengat Cholan had constructed this temple. Additionally, he called this temple “Nannilaththu Perum Kovil.” There are numerous unique features in this temple, including the fact that Bairavar is beside Suryan, that Suryan and Guru are facing one another, and that Chithra Guptha and Saneeswarar are seen in different shrines. During “Masi Maham,” which falls during the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), taking a swim in the Brahma Theertham is deemed to be highly fortunate.

It is estimated that over 70 “Madakkoils” were constructed by Chola King Kochenganan. An elephant cannot readily approach a Madakkoil, which is its defining characteristic. There are a few steps to climb before you can see the Lord because he erected these temples at an elevation. Furthermore, the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum (Karpagragam) is so tiny that no elephant can fit through it. There are roughly eighteen steps leading up to Lord Shiva’s shrine at this temple. The Sthala Viruksham of this temple are thought to be Vilvam, Kongu, Vengai, Madhavi, and Sanbagam. Now, the only tree visible in this temple is the Vilvam tree.

Greatness of this Temple & Important Festivals

Worshiping the lord here is said to heal a variety of neurological conditions. Worshiping the lord here on “Ekadasi,” or the eleventh day of the full moon or new moon, and “Pradosham,” or the thirteenth day of the full moon or new moon, is also said to be a means of obtaining salvation.

The following are a few of the significant festivals observed at this temple: Madarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan), Makara Sankranthi and Thai Poosam in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb), and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).

Pradosham is also routinely noticed. On the Aadi Swathi star day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug), Saint Sundarar’s Guru Puja is also observed.

Sri Madhuvaneswarar Temple Timings

Temple hours are from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM and from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Sri Madhuvaneswarar Temple Location

Sri Madhuvaneswarar Temple

Nannilam Post & Taluk

Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, 610 105.

Approximately thirty kilometers separate Nannilam from Kumbakonam along the Kumbakonam to Nagore road. On the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route, it is also accessible from Mayiladuthurai (30 km) and Thiruvarur (17 km). The closest train station is located five kilometers from this temple at Nannilam. For more information visit the official website of temples in Tamilnadu.