Lord
Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Rays of Sun fall on Lord from
Chithirai 21 to 27 in April-May. Surya Puja is performed during these
days in the temple.
Dreaded demon Pandasura was harassing sages and Devas. They surrendered
at the feet of Mother Parasakthi for protection. Responding to their
appeal, Devi rose from a Yaga Gunda, mounted on the Sri Chakra Rath with
the name Lalithambika, waged the war against the demon and destroyed
him.
She was very furious then. Lord Shiva asked Mother to go to
Earth, assume the name Manonmani and perform penance and shed her
fury. Mother came to this place and became soft and merciful.
She
created Vak Devathas-deities ruling words- and asked them to sing Her
praise with 1000 names. This became the holy Lalitha Sahasraname
beginning with the words, Sri Mathre meaning Mother of prosperity.
Festivals:
Rathasapthami is grandly celebrated in the temple
in January-February. All Shiva and Devi related festivals are also
observed
Opening time:
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
This is the 56th Shiva temple on the southern banks of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.
Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. Mother Lalithambika is seated on the Sri
Chakra Raja Simhasana-throne with Her merciful Abhaya Hasatha
Mudra-assuring all protection to devotees- with Her folded right leg
placed on the left as an Empress.
Mother Lalithambika is all powerful.
They rays of Sun fall on the Lord from Chithirai 21 to 27 April-May.
Special Surya puja is performed during these days.
Lord
Meganathaswami is a swayambulinga. Those chanting Lalitha Sahasranama
and Lalitha Navarathna Mala sitting in the Mothers shrine are bestowed
with all grace and prosperity in life.
This is the birth place of
Garuda, Aruna the charioteer of Sun, Vali, Sugriva, Yama and
Saneeswara. Hence, people perform Ayush Homa and Mrutyunjaya Homa in
this temple for longevity. They also offer Pirandai Rice nivedhana
placed on a lotus leaf to Lord and eat it for cure from diseases.
Sun
worshipped in the temple for relief from a curse and got back His
glittering power. Mother Kali had worshipped Lord and Mother here.
Prayers:
Devotees
perform special pujas and Homas dedicated to Lord Meganathaswami on
their birth star days for longevity. 60th and 80th birth days are
celebrated in Lords shrine. Women awaiting marriage pray to Lord
Kalyana Sundarar with garlands for early happy results. Those suffering
from diseases offer Pirandai rice on lotus leaf as nivedhana and eat it
as Lords Prasad for relief.
Do's:
- Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
- Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiry ,temple information and for pooja details etc.
- Do Do reserve your travel and accommodation at temple well in advance.
- Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple
- Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
- Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
- Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
- Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only
Don't s:
- Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshiping of God and Goddess
- Do not smoke at Temple.
- Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple
- Do not Eat Non Vegetarian food in the Kshetram
- Do not approach mediators for quick Dharshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others
- Do not carry any weapon inside the temple
- Do not wear any head guards like helmets ,caps ,turbans and hats inside the temple premises