Vaamanapureeswarar Temple, Tirumaanikuzhi

Information Board
Location of the temple	Tirumaanikuzhi
Deity known as	Vaamanapureeswarar, Udavi Nayagar, Manickavaradhar
Female deity known as	Ambujakshi, Pangayakkanni
Pathigam	Sambandar - 1
How to reach	This shivasthalam temple can be reached from Cuddalore via Tiruvahindipuram (one of the 108 divya desam shrines of Lord Mahavishnu) towards Panruti and is located at about 10 Kms from Cuddalore Town. Cuddalore - Kumanankulam town bus goes via Tirumaanikuzhi and the bus stops in front of the temple.
Temple address	Arulmighu Vaamanapureeswarar Temple Tirumaanikuzhi Via Tiruvakeenthipuram Cuddalore Taluk Cuddalore District PIN 607401

Route Map from Cuddalore to Tirumanikuzhi
Map courtesy by: Google Maps

Temple Layout - The village and the temple, are located on the southern bank of the river 'Ketila', at the foot of the mountain range known as the Copper Quarry. Facing east, the temple boasts a Rajagopuram with five tiers. Upon passing through the tower's gateway, in the eastern outer prahara or corridor, one will come across an altar, a copper-clad flag post, and a Nandhi. In the south-west corner of the southern outer prahara, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Similarly, in the north-west corner of the northern outer prahara, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The inner prahara, accessible through a side entrance from the outer prahara, contains various shrines dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, 63 Nayanmars, Sapthamathas, Yugalingas, and Gajalakshmi. Within the sanctum sanctorum, the main deity is worshipped in the form of a Swayambu Linga.

A distinguishing feature of this temple is the constant presence of a curtain in front of the presiding deity, hiding His view. This curtain is intentionally placed to ensure that the God and Goddess, who are regarded as Shiva Shakti, remain undisturbed and undivided in their sacred union. 'Palli-arai' pooja is special in all temples and it holds extra significance in Shiva temples. Since the sanctum sanctorum here is considered to be the bedroom (Palli-arai in Tamil) of the God and Goddess, there is no exclusive 'Arthajama Palli-arai' pooja at this temple. The curtain is removed by the priests only during deeparadhana.It is only at this time that one can have the privilege of seeing the small Shivalinga on the small Avudaiyar.The curtain displays the image of Bhimarudra. According to belief, Bhimarudra assumes the role of a guardian, ensuring that no hindrances come in the way of Mahavishnu's (as a 'maani' or brahmachari.) worship of Shivaperuman. Bhimarudra is honored first through rituals. Then only, the curtain is removed and the presiding deity receives deeparadhana.

The sacred tree associated with this temple is 'Kondrai' and the sacred water bodies associated are shwetha theertham and river ketila.

Temple Legend - The temple's legend revolves around Lord Mahavishnu and Mahabali Chakravarthy, who was the grandson of the renowned Vishnu devotee Prahlada. Mahabali was known for his charitable nature and willingness to assist those in need. However, the celestial gods became envious of him and sought Lord Mahavishnu's help to bring about his downfall. In order to accomplish this, Lord Mahavishnu took on the form of "Vamana Brahmmachari" to defeat Mahabali. Vamana approached Mahabali and requested three feet of land, which Mahabali readily agreed to. Mahavishnu then transformed into his Thiruvikrama avatar and measured the entire earth with a single step, while his second step covered the entire space. He then asked Mahabali what he could offer for the third step, to which Mahabali, left with no other choice, humbly offered his head. Impressed by his devotion, Mahavishnu pushed Mahabali down to the underworld ("Pathalam") and granted him immortality as one of the "Chiranjeevis."

It is believed that Mahavishnu visited this place as a "Maani" (Brahmachari or Bachelor) after his Vamana avatar and worshipped Shiva to seek relief from his "Brahmhathi dosham." As Vamana was of small stature and unable to see Shiva's face, Shiva took on a smaller form and appeared inside a pit ("kuzhi" in Tamil) to allow Mahavishnu to worship him. Hence this place is known as "Thiru Manikkuzhi" ("Thiru" being a respectful prefix, "Maani" being Bramachari, "Kuzhi" being pit. ).

In his Pathikam, Sambandar mentions this place as Udhavimanikuzhi, indicating that it was likely named 'Udhavi'. This is further supported by inscriptions that also refer to the place as "Udhavi". Over time, it seems that the name of the temple Manikuli may have become the name of the town. Additionally, a merchant named Athri from the north was attacked by robbers in this place. The merchant sought help from Shivaperuman, who came to his aid and saved him from the robbers. As a result, Shivaperuman is revered here as 'Udhavinayakar' and Devi as 'Udhavi Nayaki', both names praising their role as helpers. (Udhavi in Tamil means help).

The 14th-century saint poet Arunagirinathar has sung one song, or pathigam, in praise of Lord Muruga here. In this temple, Murugaperuman is seen with 12 hands, facing east, with his 2 beautiful consorts Valli and Deivanai, mounted on a peacock. The peacock is facing north.

The hymn for this place, composed by Thirugnana Sambandar, is mentioned in the third tirumurai.