Rajagopalaswamy temple at Mannargudi is in Tiruvarur district . This is a very small town and is around 30 Kms. from Tanjore. Cultivation is main occupation of the people here and the green paddy fields are a real visual treat to the eyes as one travels towards this town. The temple here is very famous and ancient . Even though this is a very popular temple and attracts pilgrims through out the year, this is not listed among the divyadesams of Vishnu mainly because none of the Alwars have sung mangalsanam here in praise of this Lord.
This temple has 7 prakarams and all the towers were under renovation when I visited. The Kumbabhishekam was also performed recently.
The main deity in the sanctum is a 7 foot tall idol that resembles Balaji of Tirupati and here He is flanked by his consorts Boodevi and Sreedevi.The Utsavar Rajagopalaswamy's idol is of exquisite beauty and is adorned with precious and colurful jewellery and flowers. Along with Him are His consorts Rukmani and Satyabhama. There are small statues of cows and calves around him as he is Gopala .( one who tends herd of cows) . There is also a small idol of Bala Krishna ( baby Krishna) known here as Santhana Gopala, in a small cradle .There is a belief that offering prayers by holding this idol in hand blesses barren couples with progeny.
Thayar sannidhi and Anjaneyar snaidhi are in the outer prakaram. Thayar is known as Sengamala Thayar and Her idol is never taken out of the temple hence she is known as Padi Thaandaa Patni (One, who never crosses the threshold of the house) Thayar sannidhi has beautifully carved pillars and a Tulsi maadam. The flag post is in front of the Rajagopalaswamy sannidhi and near to it is the Patala Anjaneyar, The Anjaneyar idol half concealed in the earth.
Thayar sannidhi and Anjaneyar snaidhi are in the outer prakaram. Thayar is known as Sengamala Thayar and Her idol is never taken out of the temple hence she is known as Padi Thaandaa Patni (One, who never crosses the threshold of the house) Thayar sannidhi has beautifully carved pillars and a Tulsi maadam. The flag post is in front of the Rajagopalaswamy sannidhi and near to it is the Patala Anjaneyar, The Anjaneyar idol half concealed in the earth.
As it was festival time Utsavar was out of the temple and could get some pictures of the deity. There is also a 50 feet high monolithic tower in front of the temple. I have included that also in the photos.
How to reach:
Mannargudi can be reached from Tanjore (30 Kms), Kumbakonam (30 Kms) or Tiruvarur(27 kms.)
Nearest airport is Trichy. Nearest railway station is Nidamangalam and the road bisects the railway platform which is very unique.
Accommodation - One can find good accommodation in Trichy, Tanjore or Kumbakonam.
Note that the most of the temples in Tamil Nadu are closed between 12noon -4pm, this temple also follows the same style.
Photos- Click link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPsWgs_UnEK_Jiwg1756tGTrjgkCHKfx3LZP5OR
How to reach:
Mannargudi can be reached from Tanjore (30 Kms), Kumbakonam (30 Kms) or Tiruvarur(27 kms.)
Nearest airport is Trichy. Nearest railway station is Nidamangalam and the road bisects the railway platform which is very unique.
Accommodation - One can find good accommodation in Trichy, Tanjore or Kumbakonam.
Note that the most of the temples in Tamil Nadu are closed between 12noon -4pm, this temple also follows the same style.
Photos- Click link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPsWgs_UnEK_Jiwg1756tGTrjgkCHKfx3LZP5OR
