Cuddalore – Thirumaanikuzhi Temple – ANCIENT TEMPLES of TAMIL NADU (Incredible 276 Shiva Thevara Stalangal)

Sri Vamanapureeswarar Temple

Sri Vamanapureeswarar Temple, located at Thirumanikuzhi, Cuddalore District is a very rare temple, where we cant able to see the God and Goddess all time. There will be always a screen in front of the Sanctum sanctorum.

It is not possible to worship the Lord alone as He is ever with Mother Parvathi to teach wisdom to Devas. The sanctum sanctorum is also the Palli Arai (Sleeping Room) in the temple. Lord in the temple is praised as Udhavi Nayakan (Lord who helps all) as mentioned in the hymns of saint Sambandar.

Kedila River represents the grace of Mother Mahalakshmi while Mother Saraswathi flows in the form of Sweta River, both meeting here.

The devotee can have the darshan of the Lord throughout the puja time in all temples. Here the darshan is available for a few seconds only as the curtain is downed. As Lord and Mother are in privacy, Bheema Rudra, one among the 11 Rudras functions in the form of the screen. Hence, the first puja is performed to him. Then the screen is raised for a few minutes for the darshan of devotees.

The Mooshiga Vahan-mouse vahan- of Vinayaka is by his side instead of being before Him. The buffalo head under the feet of Mother Durga is absent. She has a club in Her hands. Four pillars in the mandap before the Lord’s shrine represent the Four Vedas. Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva is in the right direction.

As in Madurai, Kancheepuram, Kasi, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, Ambica has the ruling dominance in the temple. She is holding two flowers in Her hands, lotus and Neelotpala.

Lord Vishnu wanted to show the charitable character of Mahabali, the grandson of the celebrated Vishnu devotee Prahlada.

Mahabali also had a little pride about his charitable attitude.

Vamana approached Mahabali seeking 3 feet of land. Lord measured the whole earth by one of His foot and the second covering the space and asked the emperor for the third. Mahabali politely offered his head for the third.

Though Lord proved Bali’s glory, he had to incur the blame of the society for the method Lord used.. He prayed in this temple for relief. Hence, the place is named Thiru (a respectful prefix) Maani (Brahammachari Vishnu) Kuzhi place – so, Thirumanikuzhi.