Lalithambigai Temple

Introduction to Lalithambigai Temple

Ancient Shiva and Ambal temples are the pride of Tamilnadu. Thirumeeyachur Lalithambigai Devi Temple is in Tirumeeyachur city, Tiruvarur district, Tamilnadu. Though it is officially named Meganatha Swami temple, people can still easily identify it as Lalithambigai Temple. This 56th temple of Shiva is near the banks of River Cauvery. Meganatha Swami and Lalithambigai are the main deities.

Legend of Lalithambigai Temple

The legend says that the demon Pandasura was harassing the Devas and Sages across the earth. They were unable to tolerate his atrocities. So, they surrendered at the feet of Adi Parasakthi and sought protection. She rose from the Yaga Gunda and mounted the Sri Chakra Ratham in the name of Lalithambika. Devi waged war against the demon and destroyed him in battle. But, even after this, she was furious. On seeing this, Shiva sent Sakthi to earth to pacify Lalithambika. Accordingly, Sakthi came to earth in the name of Manonmani and performed penance. Thus, Lalithambika's anger subsided. Eventually, Lalithambika reached this place. She created the Vak Devathas (deities in charge of words) and advised them to recite her thousand names. It eventually became the Lalitha Sahasranamam.

According to legends, this is the birthplace of Vali, Sugriva, Shaneeswaran, Aruna (the charioteer of the Sun), and Yama.

Yama also worshipped the deity with 1008 Shank (conch) Abishekams. The conches have the divine power of granting longevity. Apart from the Abishekams, he also offered pirandai rice.

The Architecture of Lalithambigai Temple

As per the legends and temple's inscriptions, Lalithambigai Temple dates back to 1000-2000 years ago. It was built in the Dravidian architecture style. It is believed that Kochengat Cholan built this temple. During the Rajaraja period, the temple, which was constructed originally with bricks, was renovated with stones by Sembiyan Mahadevi. Further, the Pandyas extended it during their reign.

This temple contains a 5-tier Rajagopuram that is east-facing. The Rajagopuram is followed by Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam. There is also a second 3-tier mini-Rajagopuram in front of the temple.

In the temple Prakaram, devotees can worship Naalvar, Saptamatrikas, Sekkizhar, Pancha Lingas- Agni, Appu, Akasa, Vayu, and Prithvi, and also Nagalingam. Kubera, Indran, Yama, Suriyan, and Bhairavar worshipped the Shivalingas here. Dakshinamurthy, Vinayagar, Brahma and Vishnu, Durgai, and Rishabaroodar have their sanctums here. In the Lalithambigai Temple, Dwarapalakas made of stucco safeguard the deities.

Chandikeswarar blesses his devotees with four faces in this temple, a notable feature. Puraneswara Sanctum is in the Prakaram.

Ambal Lalithambigai graces her devotees from a separate sanctum. She is in a sitting posture (Sukhasana) and wears anklets. Lalithambigai Temple is the first Sakthi peedam. Hence, Ambal is called Adi Parasakthi. Her temple is on the right side after the Rajagopuram. Deva koshta murtis are around the sanctum sanctorum. There is a Vesara Vimana above the sanctum.

Meganatha Swamy is the main deity of the Lalithambigai Temple. He is an incarnation of Shiva. The deity under Gajabrushta Vimana was designed as the back side of an elephant.

A unique feature of this temple is that the Sun rays fall on the Swayamabumurthy from Chithirai 21-27. During these auspicious days, Surya Pooja is performed.

This temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Surya Pushkarini is the temple's theertham. Mandharai and Vilwa are the Sthala Vrikshas.

Festivals of Lalithambigai Temple

Apart from the regular Hindu festivals, during the Navratri festival, on Vijayadasami, Anna Paavadai is celebrated grandly. Ratha Sapthami is also celebrated, starting on Uttarayanam. Masi Ashtami and Vaikasi Pournami are the other special celebrations. Every Friday, special Poojas are offered to Ambal.

Benefits of Worshipping in Lalithambigai Temple

Devotees perform Ayush Homam and Mrutyunjaya Homam for their longevity. They offer Pirandai rice on a lotus leaf to the deity as neivedhyam and eat it to relieve illnesses. Devotees facing obstacles in marriage pray here with garlands for early marriage. Infertile couples worship in this temple for progeny and offer anklets to Lalithambigai.