Manathunai Nathar, Valivalam, Nagapattinam

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Manathunai Nathar	Ambal / Thayar:	VaLaiyangkanni, Madhyayadakshi
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:	Valivalam
Vriksham:	Punnai	Teertham:	Sankara Teertham
Agamam:		Age (years):	1000-2000
Timing:	6 to 12 & 4 to 8.30	Parikaram:
Temple group:	Paadal Petra Sthalam (Kaveri Then Karai)	–
Sung by:	Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar	Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Valivalam	District:	Nagapattinam
Maps from (click):	Current location	Tiruvarur (19 km)	Nagapattinam (26 km)
	Kumbakonam (58 km)	Mayiladuthurai (61 km)

Location

Valivalam is located about 18km from Tiruvarur, and close to Tirukaravasal.

Sthala puranam and temple information

The Manathunai Nathar (or Hridayakamalanathar) temple at Valivalam is a maadakoil, ie it is built at a raised level. The Valivalam Valampuri Vinayakar at this temple is praised in one of the Tevaram pathikams sung by Sambandar (Pidi athan uruvumai kolamigu kariyathu / பிடியதன் உருவுமை கொளமிகு கரியது), and it is said that all recitation / chanting of Tevaram hymns should begin with this pathikam.

A devotee from this town who was known for his clean character and benevolent deeds, happened to commit some sins, due to which he was reborn as a small, black sparrow. Due it its size, the sparrow was attached by larger birds. Once it was attached by an eagle, and being severely hurt, took refuge in a hole in a tree. As it was recuperating, it heard a Siva yogi preaching to his disciples under the tree. The yogi was saying that the Portamarai tank and Madurai as a Siva sthalam were the best, and Sokkanathar (Sundareswarar) at Madurai grants all the wishes of devotees who pray to him. Hearing this, the little bird flew to Madurai, took at dip in the tank, and circumambulated the temple. It did this for three days. Pleased, Lord Siva blessed the bird and initiated it into the Mrityunjaya mantram. The bird also prayed that he and his entire clan should be strong enough to face the other birds’ attacks, which was also granted. As the bird became strong, it was named Valian. Because it circumambulated the temple, the place got the name Valivalam.

Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar have all sung pathigams on this temple.

Suryan worshipped here, and it is believed that the wheels of his chariot of created the Chakra Teertham here. It is also said that the Pandavas have worshipped at this temple. Kaarana Rishi worshipped here and also created the Kaarana Teertham.

Arunagirinathar prayed to the Murugan at this temple. This is a Tiruppugazh sthalam.

Devotees with heart problems, unstable mind and those with mental stress throng here to pray and be blessed by Lord Manathunainathar. Once devotees’ get better or their wishes are fulfilled, they perform Rudrabhishekam here.

Other information for your visit

Given the temple’s location – almost the midpoint of the triangle formed by Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Tiruthuraipoondi, the nearest place with some budget accommodation is Tiruvarur. Lately, many budget and mid-range resorts have come up on the Nagapattinam-Velankanni stretch, which can be useful for a one or two night stay.