Sri Manokkiyanatha Swamy Temple | Thiruneelakkudi Sivan Temple | Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams | Neelakandeswarar

Sri Manokkiyanathaswamy Temple:

Sri Manokkiyanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Thiruneelakudi, 16kms from Kumbakonam to Karaikal route. The Presiding Deities are God Sri Manokkiyanathaswamy/Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Bakthapeeshtappradayani (Sri Thavakkola Ammai)/Sri Anoopamasthani, (Sri Azhakaambigai).

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 32 Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of waterway Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).

Sthala Purana:

According to the "Sthala Puranam", Gingelly oil is offered to the Lord in the months of Chithirai, Karthigai, and Masi. Ritually, the oil and rest of the things for the pooja are first kept before Goddess Parvathy and afterward taken to Lord Shiva for Abhishekam. Even now, it's a Miracle as the whole amount of oil offered for abhishekam is completely consumed by the lingam. Henceforth the Lord here is called "Sri Thailapriyangeswarar" ("thailam" means oil and "Priyam" signifies affection). 

Another history is that of Saint Markandeya, the child of Sage Mrikandu. As advised by Sage Vashistar and Sage Narada to rever Lord Shiva to extend his life span, Markandeya visited this temple and Shiva gave his dharisanam and blessed with the title "Chiranjeevi" ("Endrum Pathinaru"). Enthused by this gift, Markandeya took the Lord in the parade to seven close-by towns ("Sapthas Sthanam"). These are - Ilanthurai, Enathi Mangalam, Thirunageswaram, Thirupuvanam, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Maruthuvakkudi, and Thiruneelakkudi. This occasion is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai consistently in a fantastic way. 

Another history is that Saint Thirunavukkarasar was attached to a stone piece and tossed into the ocean by Jains (Samanars). He appealed to Lord Shiva of this temple and had the option to buoy and arrive at the shore. This was referenced in the seventh refrain of his song. 

It is accepted that Lord Brahma, Varuna, Sage Romasa, Sage Vashistar, Sage Bharadwajar, Sage Markandeya, Deva Kannigais, Kamadenu and Soorapadman have venerated Lord Shiva here. 

Lord Shiva here is also lauded as Sri Vilvaranyeswarar, Sri Brahmanayakar and Sri Kamadenupuradesar.

Significance

In this temple, the "gingelly (sesame) oil abhishekam" of the Lord is exceptionally popular. It is accepted that to decrease the toxin's impact, Goddess Parvathy performed oil abhishekam to the Lord here frequently.

Sthala Viruksham is Pancha Vilva tree that is extremely important, thus this spot is known as "Pancha Vilvaaranya kshetram". Five leaves of this Vilva tree can be seen together on a twig which is uncommon.

It is believed that the jackfruit tree (Palamaram) in the temple is extremely promising and its fruits can't be taken out without presented to God. In case, if it is taken out without offering, the fruits will get spoilt. 

The Sthala Theetham is Brahma Theertham, Devi Theertham, Ksheera Kundam, and Markandeya Theertham. It is also known as Raghu Dhosha Parikara Sthalam

Temple Timings & Address:

The temple is open from 6 am to 12:00 Noon and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Address: Sri Manokkiyanathaswamy Temple,

Thiruneelakkudi Post,Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk,
Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu-612 108.