Uthirakosamangai Temple

Introduction to the Uthirakosamangai Temple

Mangalanatha Swamy Temple, or Uthirakosamangai Temple, is one of the oldest temples in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Dakshina Kailash and Sri Mangalanatha Swamy – Mangaleshwari Temple. The 9th-century Tamil Shaivite Manikka Vasagar praised the main deity in Thiruvasakam. People visiting Rameshwaram also visit Uthirakosamangai Temple. It is under the maintenance and administration of the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend of the Uthirakosamangai Temple

According to the temple's legend, Mandodhari (Ravana's wife) was adamant that she would marry only an ardent devotee of Shiva. Hence, she prayed to him.

Shiva ordered the sages at the ashram to care for one of the Agamas (Veda script) as he wanted to bless Mandodhari. He told them that he would take them back once he returned. Shiva appeared before Mandodhari in the form of a child.

Ravana, who came there, touched the child as he knew that it was Shiva. Shiva tested Ravana by changing himself into fire. So, all the places worldwide caught on fire. But the sages failed to protect the Agamas and hence died. But Sage Manikka Vasagar withstood the fire and saved the Veda script. Thus, Shiva fulfilled Mandodhari's wish, and she married Ravana. Shiva changed Manikka Vasagar into a Shiva linga.

The story behind the temple's name is that Shiva transferred the knowledge of the Vedas to Parvati, his consort, at this place. Uthiram means 'Upadesam,' and kosam means 'secrets.' Parvati was the lady or Mangai. So, the place became Uthira Kosa Mangai.

The Architecture of the Uthirakosamangai Temple

The Pandya King Achuthappa built the Uthirakosamangai Temple in 1542 AD. Muthuveerappar, a Hindu ruler of the Thanjavur Sedhupathy dynasty, and other kings of Ramanathapuram had renovated the temple at various times. The Queen of Ramanathapuram carried out the last renovation of the temple. This 3000-year-old temple lies in an area of 20 acres.

The Uthirakosamangai Temple reflects the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a seven-tiered Rajagopuram. This east-facing temple has 16 Gopurams (towers) and a large sacred pond called Agni Theertham.

Devotees can enter the temple complex through the Rajagopuram. At the temple entrance stand two Yalis (mythological dragons) with a ball of stone inside their mouths. There is a second and third gate as well.

There are a total of eleven Ganesha idols in this temple. The divine vehicle of the Muruga in this temple is the elephant. According to the Adi Chidambara Mahatmyam, Indra Deva gave his elephant "Iravatham" to Muruga.

The presiding deity is Mangalanatha Swamy, and his consort is Mangaleshwari. Mangalanatha Swamy graces his devotees in his self-manifested form (Swayambu linga). The majestic Pradosha Nandi is in the outer precinct of the Uthirakosamangai Temple. It is housed in a separate Mandap with a gopuram soon after crossing the third gate.

It is believed to be where Shiva transferred the Vedas's secrets to Parvati. Only in this Uthirakosamangai Temple is Mangalanatha Swamy, worshipped with Thazhampoo flowers (screw pine). This flower is not allowed in any other Shiva temple. In the ancient literature, Uthirakosamangai Temple has been mentioned as Ilavanthigai Palli.

There are separate shrines for Mangalanatha Swamy (Swayambu Linga) and the Mangaleshwari shrine. A 6-foot Maragatha (emerald) Natarajar has a separate shrine. The hall of Sagasralinga has 1,000 lingams enshrined in it. There is a single figure of Saneeshwara (Saturn) and a Kalabhairava shrine. People can see a separate Sannidhi for Manikka Vasagar here.

Each pillar in the Uthirakosamangai Temple has beautiful carvings. The ceilings are painted in multiple colors. The Sthala Vriksham is Ilandhai (Jujube) tree. Sethu Madhava Theertham and Lakshmana Theertham are the other sacred ponds of the temple.

Festivals in the Uthirakosamangai Temple

The major festivals of the Uthirakosamangai Temple are TirukKalyana Vaibhavam (April-May), VasanthoTsavam (May-June), Pathunal Shiva Uthsavam (July-August), Annabishekam (October-November), Tiruvathidirai, (December-January) and Shivaratri, (February-March).

Tiruvathidirai, or Arudhra Festival, is the annual festival that occurs in Margazhi (December - January) and attracts a large number of devotees from various parts of Tamilnadu.

The sandalwood paste is removed, and all Abishekam and Poojas are performed to the emerald idol only on this day. On regular days, priests perform Abishekams and Poojas to the six-feet Urchavar lingam (processional deity). It is made of spatikam (crystal).

Benefits of Worshipping at the Uthirakosamangai Temple

People believe that performing Pooja at the Uthirakosamangai Temple can strengthen harmony between couples. Unmarried persons believe that worshipping the deities by offering Thazhampoo garland can eliminate the impediments in their marriages.