Thirumeeyachur Lalithambigai Temple - Parihara Sthalam In Kumbakonam

About Lalithambigai Temple - Thirumeeyachur

Another place that is less visited by the devotees who prang Kumbakonam is Thirumeeyachur. When my cab driver recommended me to visit this place, I was literally irked by the roads that offered a bumpy ride. Now, I in my hearts wish him all wealth and health. Lalithambigai temple, which is 33 km from Kumbakonam and close to Mayiladuthurai is the place  where Lalitha Sahasranamam was recited for the first time.

Architecture / Structure:

A temple packed with wonders is Lalithambigai temple in Thirumeeyachur . You wouldn’t find Navagraha shrine, but all 12 Nagas of 12 Rasis are seen here. People who are facing problems because of the Rasis can offer lamps and pray. This is believed to ward off all problems. This is the place where Lord Shani was born. Lord Sun was cursed and here is the place where it was absolved. Lets hear the story.  Another amazing fact is that Goddess Lalitha is decorated with all jewels just like a woman. If you are wondering what makes the difference, then you need to understand in other temples, the jewels just tied around. But for Goddess Lalitha, the jewels can be screwed as there the deity is sculpted to allow the décor.

Story/History

Arunan is the chariot of Sun god, and has bodily deformity. He wanted to have darshan of Lord Shiva, and asked for permission to the Sun god. Suriya, the Sun god, not only denied but ridiculed the deformity of Arunan. The greatest sins, preventing the devotee form worshipping the God and making fun of his deformity raged Lord Shiva, and He cursed Suriya. Suriya’s face was blackened as a result. When  Suriya begged for mercy, the Lord told him to visit Thirumeeyachur and do a penance. Suriya followed it for a long period, and this is when Lord Shani was born. Many contribute the curse that led to the birth of dark skinned son to the bright and luminous Suriya.

When Suriya could not see the results, he went to Lord Shiva for mercy. This is was the time when the Lord and Goddess Parvati were alone in their own world. Enraged Parvati, rose to curse the Sun God who disturbed their intimate moment. Lord Shiva consoled her, and relieved Suriya from his curse. This is depicted in sculpture form. You can see the beautiful face of Lord Parvati held by Lord Shiva. When you see the same sculpture from another angle, the face of irate Parvati can be seen. What a sight and how the sculptor managed to do it is still a wonder.

Temple Location/ How To Reach:

The temple is approximately 33 Kms from Kumbakonam and very close to Mayiladuthurai. You can avail buses, autos and cabs to this temple from Mayiladuthurai or Kumbakonam, the nearest major cities.

Temple Timings

The temple is open from 6 AM to 12 Noon, and 4 to 8 PM. The roads are far better now, and the place is slowly gaining importance.