Legend - Umadevi once worshipped Lord Shiva in Kailash and expressed her desire to marry him once again on earth. Shiva promised Umadevi that he would do so as per her wish. Then, once, Umadevi behaved negligently towards Shiva, and angered by her lack of reverence, He cursed Uma Devi to be reborn on Earth in the form of a cow. Stricken with deep remorse, Uma Devi pleaded for a way to reverse the curse. Shiva, assured her that he would manifest himself at the appropriate time to wed her once again and restore her to her rightful divine status.
Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Indrani too joined Uma Devi in assuming the form of cows, roaming the terrestrial realm and grazing together in solidarity. Lord Vishnu, in a display of his cosmic role as the preserver, took on the responsibility of serving as their herdsman, watching over and tending to them. By the act of pouring her milk over the linga, as a cow, Uma devi regained her original form. She was then instructed to go and live as the daughter of Sage Bharathwaj. When the time was right Shiva decided to marry Umadevi. Legend has it that Shiva appeared in the sacrificial fire-pit of the Yagna conducted by Maharishi Bharatawaja and married Umadevi at this site and the place came to be known as Tirumanancheri.
Significance - Thirumanacheri, has long been revered as a sacred site that can help alleviate marital and astrological difficulties. According to longstanding tradition, individuals who are struggling to find a suitable partner for marriage, and hoping for a successful marriage union come here to pray and make offerings to the deity Kalyanasundara at this temple. In addition to assisting with matrimonial matters, Thirumanacheri is also renowned for its power to mitigate the negative effects of Rahu Dosha, an astrological affliction caused by the shadow planet Rahu. Couples suffering from Rahu Dosha who have been unable to conceive a child come to partake in a ritual bathing in the temple's holy water body 'Saptha Sagara Theertham'. Following this cleansing immersion, devotees prepare offerings of milk abhishekam and milk pongal to be presented to Rahu, enshrined within the temple complex. Afflicted couples come here to absolve themselves of the inauspicious influence of Rahu Dosha and be blessed with progeny. It is firmly believed that those, whose marriages are delayed due to various circustances, will soon be married, by coming here and worhsipping the deity. The numerous accounts of prayers answered and wishes fulfilled stand as testament to the enduring spiritual potency of Thirumanancheri.
Procedure - The temple of Kalyana Sundareswarar and Kokilambal offers a unique and sacred ritual for unmarried individuals seeking divine blessings for a successful marriage. Those who come here to pray for a successful marriage can follow the procedure of offering garlands to the divine couple Kalyana Sundareswarar and Kokilambal. The temple provides all the necessary items and materials required for performing the prayers and rituals. The specific prayer procedures are conducted in a designated area within the temple grounds known as the 'Tirumana prarthanai Mandap'. After completing the prayers at the temple, the devotees return home with a lemon and a garland that have been blessed in the ritual. At home, they are instructed to squeeze the lemon and mix its juice with water, which they then consume. They light a traditional lamp and wear the consecrated garland while engaging in meditation and prayer, focusing their thoughts and devotion on the deity. The garland is then carefully wrapped in a clean cloth and kept safely as a sacred object. Once the individual's wedding is arranged and finalized, the couple is expected to revisit the temple together. They return the garland to the temple and complete the final steps of the ritual, expressing gratitude for the divine blessings received.
Ghee, lamp, Turmeric, Kumkum, Betel leaves and nut, Lemon, Banana, Garland, and coconuts - all are available in designated shops within the complex.
The Utvaganathar Temple in Tirumanancheri is a magnificent example of South Indian temple architecture, featuring a grand east-facing sanctum and an impressive five-tiered gopuram towering over the entrance. As one passes through the ornate gateway, they are greeted by the sight of the 'kodimara' Ganapathy. Further into the complex, the customary Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, and Nandi come into view. A second, smaller three-tiered tower marks the entrance to the inner sanctum, where the presiding deity Utvaganathar resides in an east-facing shrine. Within the mandapa (pillared hall) in front of the main sanctum, to the right, is the south-facing sanctum of Utvaganathar's consort, Goddess Kokilambal, portrayed in a seated posture reminiscent of a demure bride. On the left side of the main sanctum, in the nirutha mandapa, stands the 'Urchava Murthy' (processional deity) of the temple - Kalyana Sundarar, depicted as a groom alongside his bride Kokilambal, both facing east. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to various other deities, including Nataraja, Subramanya, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Rahu, Durga, and Mahavishnu.
Interestingly, this temple is associated with the legend of Kamadeva, the god of love, who was burned to ashes by Lord Shiva's third eye when Kamadeva attempted to disrupt Shiva's meditation. It is believed that Kamadeva was revived here at Tirumanancheri, thanks to the fervent prayers of his wife, Rati. However, he remained visible only to Rati's eyes. The temple's sacred water body, known as 'Saptha Sagara Theertha,' is said to represent the seven seas that wished to adorn the divine couple during their celestial wedding. Stone inscriptions found within the temple complex attest to the patronage of the Chola dynasty, particularly Queen Sembian Maadevi, highlighting the temple's historical and cultural significance.
It was at Tiruvelvikudi, another Paadal Petra Shivasthalam 4.1 kms from here, all the pre-wedding ceremonies and rituals for the divine wedding occured.
5-Tiered Gopuram
Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam,Nandi and second gopuram
Vimanam
Prakaram outside Ambal Sannidhi