Dharisanam ENதமிழ்
A colourful tower at left and an older carved stone tower at right, under a blue sky
Swayambu

Thirumarugal Sri Rathnagreeswarar Temple 80th of 129 on the south bank of the Kaveri · Chola Nadu · Temples near Mayiladuthurai

Darshan today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Moolavar
Rathnagireeswarar, Manikka Vannar
Ambal
Vanduvaar Kuzhali Ammai,Aamothala Nayaki
Theertham
Manicka Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham
Sthala vriksham
Marugal, a variety of banana tree
Pathigam by
Thirugnanasambanthar-2,Thirunavukarasar (Appar)-1

Temple

Visited on: 15th September, 2018.

Location

Thirumarugal is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Sannanallur on the Mayiladuthurai – Sannanallur - Nagore route. It is about 3 kms away from Thiruchengattangudi and 15 kms away from Nannilam.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Chengattangudi, Thiru Chathamangai, Thiru Pukalur, Pukalur Varthamaneecharam, Ramanatheecharam, Thiruppayatrur, Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiru Panayur and Thiru Virkudi.

General information

Moolavar
Sri Rathnagireeswarar, Sri Manikka Vannar
Ambal
Sri Vanduvaar Kuzhali Ammai,
Sri Aamothala Nayaki
Theertham (Holy water)
Manicka Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
Marugal, a variety of banana tree
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar-2,
Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)-1
  • This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 80th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
  • Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
  • This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by Chola King Kochenganan.
  • This is the place where Saint Thirugnanasambanthar brought back to life a dead boy due to snake bite.
  • This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
  • The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 27.03.2023 and prior to that on 30.06.2004, 11.09.1974 and 06.09.1962.

History of the temple

This temple was originally built by a king called Kusakethu. Later Chola King Kochenganan rebuilt it in 7th century as a Maadak koil.

There is a stone inscription which dates back to the period of Tanjore Maratha king.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Tiered painted tower with many figures and a Tamil name board above the entrance
A tank with green water, steps and a small pillared mandapam at its centre
Shrine buildings with domed towers; a banana leaf at right, and a label naming the Sthala Viruksham

Legend

As per Sthala Puranam, Goddess Lakshmi visited this temple and worshiped the lord to seek relief from the curse by Sage Birugu. Lord Shiva blessed her with his darshan and she got reunited with Lord Mahavishnu. Hence this place gets the name Thiru Marugal meaning Lakshmi Sthalam in Tamil. The name Marugal also comes from the “sthala viruksham” – Vaazhai (plantain).

As per Sthala Puranam, a king named Kusakethu worshiped the lord here. There was a severe drought at that time, and the king prayed to the lord to help the people. It is believed that to answer his prayers, Lord Shiva made a rain of gems here. Hence, the lord here is praised as “Sri Rathnagireeswarar” (“Rathinam” means gems in Tamil). Rathinam is also known as “Manickam” and hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Manikkavannar”.

Another legend is that a Chola King was suffering from severe fever and he prayed to Lord Vinayakar here. Lord Vinayakar cured his illness and saved his life. This Vinayakar is known as “Juram Theertha Vinayakar” (“Juram” means fever in Tamil) and has a separate shrine in the corridor.

This is one of the temples where Lord Shiva enacted his 64 holy plays (Thiruvilaiyadal). According to legend, Dhaman, a trader who lived in Vaippur, a nearby village, promised to offer one of his 7 daughters to their maternal uncle for marriage but didn’t keep up his word. When they attained the marriageable age, he arranged marriages for them with some other persons one by one. The 7th daughter, a Shiva devotee, realizing that her father will cheat her uncle in her case also, she decided to leave the house and went out with him. They reached this place and stayed back as it was night. Unfortunately, the boy got poisoned up with a snake bite and was dead. She cried and prayed to the lord for help. Incidentally, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar was coming to this temple the next day morning, he heard her cry and consoled her. The saint sang the Pathigam “Sadaiyai Enumaal ..…”, known as “Vidam Theertha Pathikam” and brought back her uncle to life.

The saint also conducted the wedding to both of them in this temple with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy standing as a witness under the Vanni tree and the well. The boy’s parents, who were at Madurai, didn’t accept the marriage because there was no witness to the marriage. The girl prayed to the lord, and he gave darshan at Madurai in the form of a Vanni tree and a well as a proof of marriage. Thus, this temple is the source of the famous holy play that was enacted at Madurai. This event is commemorated in a celebration every year here. The vanni tree and the well can still be seen in the corridors of this temple.

The “Sadaiyai Enumaal …” pathigam is considered to be very powerful songs in resolving problems in marriages.

Another legend associated with this temple is that a legend related to Ramanadeecharam temple (a nearby and another Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam). The legend is that a local king prayed to Lord Shiva for child boon and performed a yagna. Through his divine voice, the lord informed the king that Goddess Parvathy would be his daughter soon. At a later date when the king went to the forest for hunting, he found four female children under a tree. He brought them to his palace and brought up as his own daughters. By nature, they were Shiva devotees. When they attained the marriageable age, the king prayed to Lord Shiva to marry them. It is believed that the lord married them. They are the four Goddesses in four temples – Sri Sarivar Kuzhali in Ramanadeecharam, Sri Vaaitha Thirukuzhal Nayaki in Thiruchengattangudi, Sri Karundhar Kuzhali in Thirupugalur and Sri Vanduvaar Kuzhali in Thirumarugal (this temple).

The four Goddesses also bear the common name “Sri Choolikambal” as they individually helped pregnant women during their delivery times. “Chool” or “Karu” means pregnancy in Tamil. As they returned to the temple after the last pooja, they stayed a little bit away from the lord’s shrine. It can be seen that in all the four temples, goddess’s shrine is located separately. In this temple, Goddess Parvathy is also praised as “Sri Karu Katha Ambigai”.

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Brahma, Sage Birugu, Sage Parasarar, King Kusakethu, Saints Thirugnanasambanthar and Thirunavukkarasar have worshiped the lord here.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of Vinayakar (Prathana Vinayakar), Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Somaskandar, Nagar, Mahalakshmi, Bairavar, Chandran, Suryan, Nagar, Chettippen and Chettippillai (the trader’s daughter with her husband), Thirugnanasambanthar, Shivalingam worshiped by Sage Parasarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Nalvar, 63 Nayanmars, Chandikeswarar, Saneeswarar and Navagraham can be seen in the main hall and the corridors.

“Muthu Vinayakar”, “Santhana Vinayakar”, “Juram Theertha Vinayakar”, Iyyanar, Sapthamadas, Marugaludaiyar with Soundaranayaki and Chandikeswari can also be seen in the corridors.

In the “koshtam” (place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), idols of Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalayar, Brahma and Durgai can be seen.

Doorway into a dark sanctum under a red Tamil name board, with notice boards at the sides
Red pillars in a hall with painted walls, and a lit shrine with an idol at the far end
Open shrine with a pillar and a carved roof, with tiered domes rising behind
Black stone idols draped in orange cloth, with a Tamil name painted above each one
Six black stone idols in cloths, with Tamil name boards above them
Many small black idols in white cloths on a ledge, with blue Tamil name panels above
Small stone shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure on its roof and a name board over the door
Stone pillars frame a dark niche holding a small idol covered in a yellow cloth

Salient features

It is believed that no one is dying in this place due to snake bite.

It is believed that King Kochengat Chola built about 70 “Madakkoils”. The distinguishing feature of a Madakkoil is that it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these temples at an elevation and there are a few steps that need to be climbed before seeing the lord. Also, the sanctum sanctorum’s (Karpagragam) entrance is narrow such that no elephant can enter it.

The idols of Lord Brahma, Durgai and Nalvar look very beautiful.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Saneeswarar at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Siddhars Kakapujandar and Korakkar have praised this Saneeswarar. This type of placement of Saneeswarar is unique to see.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sung songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Beautiful sculptures depicting the story of snake bite can be seen at the entrance of the main tower.

There are many paintings on the wall in the main hall depicting various legends associated with this temple.

It is believed that Seeralan, son of Siruthondar studied in a school in this place. Siruthondar is one of the 63 Nayanmars, who lived in a nearby village, Thiruchengattangudi. Another play (“Thiruvilayadal”) of Lord Shiva with Siruthondar took place in that place.

Blue shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure above the door and a Tamil name board
Painting of a groom and bride joining hands under a tree, with Shiva and Parvathy behind them

Greatness of this temple

Devotees believe that by worshiping the lord here, obstacles from their marriage proposals will be removed.

It is also believed that worshiping Lord Shiva here will result in the reunion of separated couples.

Devotees worship Sri Juram Theertha Vinayakar to seek relief from fever related diseases.

Important festivals

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (Apr-May) is celebrated here in a grand manner.

Some of the other important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July),

Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug),

Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov),

Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),

Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and

Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple timings

From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM.

Temple address

Sri Rathnagireeswarar Temple,
Thirumarugal Post,
Thirumarugal Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu- 609 702.
Tele: +91-4366 – 270823, +91-97914 00720.

*
Open the map →
NavigateGet directions in Google Maps
Today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Phone+91-4366 270823+91-97914 00720
Paved courtyard with a shrine entrance at right and tiered towers behind the wall
A leafy tree beside a railed platform, with a pillared hall and a tower in the background
A tall weathered stone wall with a tower rising beyond it
Open hall with square stone pillars and a painted ceiling edge, beside the outer wall
Two grey shrines with carved, painted domes beside a long wall with red and white stripes
Wide paved courtyard with a small shrine, a long wall and trees beyond it
Carved shrine roofs in front of a darker stone tower, beside a long temple wall

Highlights

What makes this temple special

* Cards drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. “Read more” takes you to the full passage.

Greatness

What is special here

Devotees pray here to remove obstacles to marriage, to reunite couples and to find relief from fever.

  1. Obstacles to marriage removedDevotees believe that by worshiping the lord here, obstacles from their marriage proposals will be removed.
  2. Separated couples reunitedIt is also believed that worshiping Lord Shiva here will result in the reunion of separated couples.
  3. Relief from feverDevotees worship Sri Juram Theertha Vinayakar to seek relief from fever related diseases.
  4. No death by snake biteIt is believed that no one is dying in this place due to snake bite.
  5. Saneeswarar at the sanctum entranceThere is a separate shrine for Lord Saneeswarar at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum.
Significance

Its place in the tradition

A Devara Paadal Petra sthalam where Saint Thirugnanasambanthar sang the Pathigam and brought a man back to life.

  1. A Devara Paadal Petra sthalamIt is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 80th on the southern bank of the Cauvery.
  2. The saint brought a man back to lifeSaint Thirugnanasambanthar sang the Pathigam known as Vidam Theertha Pathikam and brought her uncle back to life.
  3. One of the holy plays of Lord ShivaThis is one of the temples where Lord Shiva enacted his 64 holy plays.
  4. The source of a Madurai playThis temple is the source of the famous holy play enacted at Madurai, which is commemorated in a celebration every year.
  5. Worshipped by manyGoddess Lakshmi, Lord Brahma, Sage Birugu, Sage Parasarar and King Kusakethu are believed to have worshiped the lord here.
Why devotees come

Why devotees come here

Devotees come for marriage, for the reunion of couples, for relief from fever and for the Brahmotsavam.

  1. For marriage: obstacles removedObstacles from marriage proposals are believed to be removed by worshiping the lord here.
  2. For separated couples: reunionWorshiping Lord Shiva here is believed to result in the reunion of separated couples.
  3. For fever: worship Juram Theertha VinayakarDevotees worship Sri Juram Theertha Vinayakar to seek relief from fever related diseases.
  4. For the Brahmotsavam in ChithiraiBrahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai is celebrated here in a grand manner.
The main tower seen from the front
276Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams

The name Thirumarugal

  1. மருகல்Lakshmi Sthalam; also the plantain tree
  2. ரத்தினம்gems, from the rain of gems

The place name and the lord's name both have stories behind them.

    Legends of the temple

    Goddess Lakshmi worshiped the lord here to seek relief from the curse by Sage Birugu and was reunited with Lord Mahavishnu.

    When King Kusakethu prayed for the people during a drought, Lord Shiva made a rain of gems, and so is praised as Sri Rathnagireeswarar.

    A Chola king suffering from severe fever prayed to Lord Vinayakar, who cured his illness and saved his life.

    Saint Thirugnanasambanthar brought the bitten boy back to life and conducted the wedding, with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy as witness under the Vanni tree and the well.

    Four female children found under a tree grew up as Shiva devotees and are believed to have been married by the lord; they are the four Goddesses in four temples.

    What devotees pray for

    • MarriageObstacles from marriage proposals will be removed.
    • Reunion of couplesSeparated couples are believed to be reunited.
    • Relief from feverDevotees worship Sri Juram Theertha Vinayakar for relief from fever related diseases.

    Marriage, reunion of couples and relief from fever.

    Saints connected with the temple

    1. Saint ThirugnanasambantharHe sang the Pathigam here and brought the bitten boy back to life.
    2. Saint ThirunavukkarasarHe is believed to have worshiped the lord here.
    3. Saint ArunagirinadharHe sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his Thirupugazh.

    Saints who sang here or worshiped the lord here.

    Kings of the temple

    1. King KusakethuThis temple was originally built by a king called Kusakethu.
    2. Chola King KochengananHe rebuilt the temple as a Maadak koil and is believed to have built many Madakkoils.

    Kings who built, rebuilt or worshiped at the temple.

    Festivals through the year

      Brahmotsavam in Chithirai is celebrated in a grand manner, along with festivals in many other Tamil months and regular Pradosham.

      Deities

      The deities of this temple

      * Drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. Where there is no photograph, the card shows the name.

      From the sanctum to the corridors
      Doorway into a dark sanctum under a red Tamil name board, with notice boards at the sides
      Moolavar

      Sri Rathnagireeswarar

      Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

      Ambalஅ
      Ambal

      Sri Vanduvaar Kuzhali Ammai

      Sri Vanduvaar Kuzhali in Thirumarugal is one of the four Goddesses in four temples, and her shrine is located separately.

      Six black stone idols in cloths, with Tamil name boards above them
      Shrine in the corridor

      Nalvar

      Shrines and idols of Nalvar can be seen in the main hall and the corridors.

      Many small black idols in white cloths on a ledge, with blue Tamil name panels above
      Idols in the corridor

      63 Nayanmars

      Shrines and idols of 63 Nayanmars can be seen in the main hall and the corridors.

      Small stone shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure on its roof and a name board over the door
      Shrine in the corridor

      Muthu Vinayakar

      “Muthu Vinayakar” can be seen in the corridors.

      Blue shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure above the door and a Tamil name board
      Shrine in the corridor

      Juram Theertha Vinayakar

      This Vinayakar cured a Chola king of severe fever and has a separate shrine in the corridor.

      Black stone idols draped in orange cloth, with a Tamil name painted above each one
      Idols in the corridor

      Sapthamadas

      Sapthamadas can also be seen in the corridors.

      Visit & map

      Sacred geography
      Thirumarugal Ramanadeecharam Thiru Pugalur Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam Thirunallaru Dharumapuram Thiruppanaiyur Thiru Kottaru Keezhvelur Thiruthelichery, Karaikkal Palliyin Mukkoodal Thirukkondeeswaram Sikkal
      You are hereThis temple

      Schematic. Distances as recorded on the visit; directions approximate.

      12a6a12p6p
      Darshan today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
      7:00 – 12:004:00 – 8:30 pm

      Hours as recorded on the visit. Festival days can differ.

      Plan the day around it

      Address and phone

      Sri Rathnagireeswarar Temple, Thirumarugal Post, Thirumarugal Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu- 609 702.

      +91-4366 270823

      *

      A day of darshan nearby

      5 more sthalams within reach, nearest first: 15.1 km in straight lines.

      Map of Thirumarugal and the sthalams nearby, in route order: Ramanadeecharam, Thiru Pugalur, Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam, Thiruppanaiyur, Thirukkondeeswaram. 1 Ramanadeecharam 2 Thiru Pugalur 3 Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam 4 Thiruppanaiyur 5 Thirukkondeeswaram 2 km N
      Drawn from coordinates. Straight-line distances; roads are longer. Faint dots are other sthalams within 50 km.

      Temple plan

      Tiered painted tower with many figures and a Tamil name board above the entrance
      01

      The main tower

      Beautiful sculptures depicting the story of snake bite can be seen at the entrance of the main tower.

      1 / 6

      Summary written with AI help from the temple write-up.

      Pathigam

      Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

      Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

      Pathigam No. 2.018.

      V. Muthukumaraswamy

      Thirugnanasambandar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. Verse 1 of 11.

      Saṭaiyā yeṉumāl saraṇnī yeṉumāl
      viṭaiyā yeṉumāl veruvā vizhumāl
      maṭaiyār kuvaḷai malarum marugal
      uṭaiyāy thakumō ivaḷuḷ melivē

      A young woman calls out to the Lord with matted hair, saying that he alone is her refuge, and to the rider of the bull, and she falls in fear. She asks the Lord of Marugal, where water lilies bloom in the water channels, whether it is right that she should waste away within.

      Tap any Tamil word for its meaning

      Verse text and transliteration as given in the write-up. Word meanings and the English meaning are AI-assisted drafts.

      All eleven verses

      1. 01

        சடையா யெனுமால் சரண்நீ யெனுமால்விடையா யெனுமால் வெருவா விழுமால்மடையார் குவளை மலரும் மருகல்உடையாய் தகுமோ இவள்உள் மெலிவே

        Saṭaiyā yeṉumāl saraṇnī yeṉumāl / viṭaiyā yeṉumāl veruvā vizhumāl / maṭaiyār kuvaḷai malarum marugal / uṭaiyāy thakumō ivaḷuḷ melivē

        நீர்நிலைகளில்குவளைமலர்கள்மலர்ந்து

        மணம்செய்யும்திருமருகலைத்

        தனக்குரியஊராகஉடையபெருமானே!

        இப்பெண், சடையாய்என்றும்

        விடையாய்என்றும்நீயேஎனக்குப்புகலிடம்

        என்றும்கூறிஅஞ்சிமயங்கிவிழுகின்றாள்.

        உன்னையேநினைந்துபுலம்பும்இவள்மனவருத்தத்தைப்

        போக்காதிருத்தல்உன்பெருமைக்குத்தக்கதோ?

      2. 02

        சிந்தா யெனுமால் சிவனே யெனுமால்முந்தா யெனுமால் முதல்வா எனுமால்கொந்தார் குவளை குலவும் மருகல்எந்தாய் தகுமோ இவள்ஏ சறவே

        Sinthā yeṉumāl sivaṉē yeṉumāl / munthā yeṉumāl muthalvā eṉumāl / konthār kuvaḷai kulavum marugal / enthāy thakumō ivaḷē saṟavē

        பூங்கொத்துக்கள்குவளைமலர்ஆகியனமலர்ந்து

        மணம்பரப்பும்திருமருகலில்எழுந்தருளியஎம்தந்தையே!

        இவள்உன்னைநினைந்து, “சிந்தையில்நிறைந்துள்ளவனே!

        என்றும்சிவனேஎன்றும், எல்லோர்க்கும்

        முற்பட்டவனேஎன்றும், முதல்வனே” என்றும்

        புலம்பிநைகின்றாள். இவள்

        துன்பத்தைப்போக்காதிருத்தல்

        உன்பெருமைக்குத்தக்கதோ?

      3. 03

        அறையார் கழலும் மழல்வா யரவும்பிறையார் சடையும் முடையாய் பெரியமறையார் மருகல் மகிழ்வா யிவளைஇறையார் வளைகொண் டெழில்வவ் வினையே

        Aṟaiyār kazhalum mazhalvā yaravum / piṟaiyār saṭaiyum muṭaiyāy periya / maṟaiyār marugal makizhvā yivaḷai / iṟaiyār vaḷaikoṇ ṭezhilvav viṉaiyē

        ஒலிக்கின்றவீரக்கழலையும், கொடியவிடம்

        பொருந்தியவாயினைஉடைய

        பாம்பையும்பிறையணிந்தசடையினையும்

        உடையவனே! பெருமைக்குரிய

        வேதங்களைக்கற்றுணர்ந்தமறையவர்

        வாழும்திருமருகலில்மகிழ்ந்து

        உறைபவனே! இப்பெண்ணைஅவள்முன்கையில்

        அணிந்திருந்தவளையல்களைக்கவர்ந்ததோடு

        அழகையும்கவந்தாயே! இதுதகுமோ?

      4. 04

        ஒலிநீர் சடையிற் கரந்தா யுலகம்பலிநீ திரிவாய் பழியில் புகழாய்மலிநீர் மருகல் மகிழ்வா யிவளைமெலிநீர் மையளாக் கவும்வேண் டினையே

        Olinīr saṭaiyiṟ karanthā yulakam / palinī thirivāy pazhiyil pukazhāy / malinīr marugal makizhvā yivaḷai / melinīr maiyaḷāk kavumvēṇ ṭiṉaiyē

        முழங்கிவந்தகங்கையைத்தன்சடைமிசை

        மறைத்தவனே! உலகெங்கணும்

        சென்றுபலியேற்றுத்திரிபவனே!

        குற்றம்அற்றபுகழாளனே! நீர்நிறைந்த

        திருமருகலைத்தனதுஇடமாகக்கொண்டு

        மகிழ்பவனே! இப்பெண்ணை

        மெலியும் நீர்மையள் ஆக்கவும் விரும்பினையோ?

      5. 05

        துணிநீ லவண்ணம் முகில்தோன் றியன்னமணிநீ லகண்டம் உடையாய் மருகல்கணிநீ லவண்டார் குழலாள் இவள்தன்அணிநீ லவொண்கண் அயர்வாக் கினையே

        Thuṇinī lavaṇṇam mukilthōṉ tṟiyaṉṉa / maṇinī lakaṇṭam uṭaiyāy marugal / kaṇinī lavaṇṭār kuzhalāḷ ivaḷthaṉ / aṇinī lavoṇkaṇ ayarvāk kiṉaiyē

        தௌந்தநீலநிறம்பொருந்தியமேகம்தோன்றினாற்

        போன்றஅழகியநீலகண்டத்தைஉடையவனே! திருமருகலை

        வந்தடைந்த, நீலவண்டுகளின்தொகுதியோஎனக்கருதக்கூடிய

        கூந்தலைஉடையஇளையஇப்பெண்ணின்ஒளிபொருந்திய

        கண்கள்கலங்குமாறுஇவளுக்குஅயர்வைஉண்டாக்கி

        விட்டாயே. இது தகுமோ?

      6. 06

        பலரும் பரவப் படுவாய் சடைமேல்மலரும் பிறையொன் றுடையாய் மருகல்புலருந் தனையுந் துயிலாள் புடைபோந்தலரும் படுமோ அடியா ளிவளே

        Palarum paravap paṭuvāy saṭaimēl / malarum piṟaiyoṉ tṟuṭaiyāy marugal / pularun thaṉaiyun thuyilāḷ puṭaipōn / thalarum paṭumō aṭiyā ḷivaḷē

        பலராலும்பரவிப்போற்றப்படுபவனே! சடையின்மேல்

        விளங்கித்தோன்றும்பிறைஒன்றைஉடையவனே!

        திருமருகலைவந்தடைந்தஇப்பெண்விடியும்

        அளவும்துயிலாதவளாய்த்துயருறுகிறாள்.

        அடியவளாகியஇவள்மீதுபழிமொழி வருவது தக்கதோ?

      7. 07

        வழுவாள் பெருமான் கழல்வாழ் கவெனாஎழுவாள் நினைவாள் இரவும் பகலும்மழுவா ளுடையாய் மருகற் பெருமான்தொழுவா ளிவளைத் துயராக் கினையே

        Vazhuvāḷ perumāṉ kazhalvāzh kaveṉā / ezhuvāḷ niṉaivāḷ iravum pakalum / mazhuvā ḷuṭaiyāy marugaṟ perumāṉ / thozhuvā ḷivaḷaith thuyarāk kiṉaiyē

        மழுப்படையைஉடையவனே! மருகற்பெருமானே!

        தவறாமல் ‘பெருமான்திருவடிகள்வாழ்க’ என்றுகூறிக்

        கொண்டேதுயில்எழுந்துஇரவும்பகலும்

        உன்னையேநினைந்துதொழுபவளாகிய

        இவளைத்துயருக்குரியவள்

        ஆக்கினையே! இதுதகுமோ?

      8. 08

        இலங்கைக் கிறைவன் விலங்க லெடுப்பத்துலங்கவ் விரலூன் றலுந்தோன் றலனாய்வலங்கொள் மதிள்சூழ் மருகற் பெருமான்அலங்கல் லிவளை அலராக் கினையே

        Ilaṅkaik kiṟaivaṉ vilaṅka leṭuppath / thulaṅkav viralūṉ tṟalunthōṉ tṟalaṉāy / valaṅkoḷ mathiḷchūzh marugaṟ perumāṉ / alaṅkal livaḷai alarāk kiṉaiyē

        இலங்கைக்குஅரசனாகியஇராவணன்கயிலைமலையைப்

        பெயர்த்தபோது,அவனதுஆற்றல்அழியுமாறு, விளங்கும்

        தனதுகாற்பெருவிரலைஊன்றிய

        அளவில்அவன்செய்வதறியாதுஇடர்ப்பட்டுமீண்டு,

        வலமாகவந்துபணிந்துவரம்கொண்டமருகற்பெருமானே!

        மாலைசூடிமணம்கொள்ளஇருந்த

        இவளுக்குத்துன்பம்வரச்செய்தனையே! இதுதக்கதோ?

      9. 09

        எரியார் சடையும் மடியும் மிருவர்தெரியா த்தொர்தீத் திரளா யவனேமரியார் பிரியா மருகற் பெருமான்அரியாள் இவளை அயர்வாக் கினையே

        Eriyār saṭaiyum maṭiyum miruvar / theriyā ththorthīth thiraḷā yavaṉē / mariyār piriyā marugaṟ perumāṉ / ariyāḷ ivaḷai ayarvāk kiṉaiyē

        நெருப்புப்போலச்சிவந்தசடையையும், அடியையும்

        திருமால்பிரமன்ஆகியஇருவர்அறியமுடியாதவாறு

        ஒளிப்பிழம்பாய்உயர்ந்துதோன்றியவனே!

        பிறவிநீங்கியமுக்தர்கள்வாழும்திருமருகலில்

        விளங்கும்பெருமானே! அரியவளாகஇத்தலத்துக்குவந்த

        இவளைத்துன்புறச்செய்தாயே! இதுதக்கதோ?

      10. 10

        அறிவில் சமணும் மலர்சாக் கியரும்நெறியல் லனசெய் தனர்நின் றுழல்வார்மறியேந் துகையாய் மருகற் பெருமான்நெறியார் குழலி நிறைநீக் கினையே

        Aṟivil samaṇum malarsāk kiyarum / neṟiyal laṉasey thaṉarniṉ tṟuzhalvār / maṟiyēn thukaiyāy marugaṟ perumāṉ / neṟiyār kuzhali niṟainīk kiṉaiyē

        அறிவற்றசமணர்களும்எங்கும்பரவிவாழும்

        சாக்கியர்களும்நெறியல்லனவற்றைச்செய்துநின்று

        உழல்பவராவர். மான்கன்றைஏந்தியகையைஉடையவனே!

        மருகற்பெருமானே! உன்னைநினையும்அடர்ந்த

        கூந்தலினளாயஇப் பெண்ணின்மனத்தைச்

        சிதறுண்ணச்செய்தீரே, இதுதகுமோ?

      11. 11

        வயஞா னம்வல்லார் மருகற் பெருமான்உயர்ஞா னமுணர்ந் தடியுள் குதலால்இயன்ஞா னசம்பந் தனபா டல்வல்லார்வியன்ஞா லமெல்லாம் விளங்கும் புகழே

        In the last verse, Gnanasambandan says that those who can sing his verses on the Lord of Marugal will gain fame that shines across the wide world.

        Vayagñā ṉamvallār marugaṟ perumāṉ / uyargñā ṉamuṇarn thaṭiyuḷ kuthalāl / iyaṉgñā ṉasamban thaṉapā ṭalvallār / viyaṉgñā lamellām viḷaṅkum pukazhē

        தன்மயமாக்கும்திருவருள்ஞானம்பெற்றார்

        வாழும்மருகற்பெருமான்திருவடிகளைஉயர்ஞானம்

        உணர்ந்துநினைதலால்பதிஇயல்புற்ற

        ஞானசம்பந்தன்அருளியஇப்பதிகப்பாடல்களைப்

        பாடவல்லார்புகழ், அகன்ற இவ்வுலக

        மெல்லாம் விளங்கித் தோன்றும்.

      Photos

      Photographs

      21 photographs, in the order they appear in the write-up. Captions are AI-assisted.

      A colourful tower at left and an older carved stone tower at right, under a blue sky
      Tiered painted tower with many figures and a Tamil name board above the entrance
      A tank with green water, steps and a small pillared mandapam at its centre
      Shrine buildings with domed towers; a banana leaf at right, and a label naming the Sthala Viruksham
      Doorway into a dark sanctum under a red Tamil name board, with notice boards at the sides
      Red pillars in a hall with painted walls, and a lit shrine with an idol at the far end
      Open shrine with a pillar and a carved roof, with tiered domes rising behind
      Black stone idols draped in orange cloth, with a Tamil name painted above each one
      Six black stone idols in cloths, with Tamil name boards above them
      Many small black idols in white cloths on a ledge, with blue Tamil name panels above
      Small stone shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure on its roof and a name board over the door
      Stone pillars frame a dark niche holding a small idol covered in a yellow cloth
      Blue shrine with a painted Vinayakar figure above the door and a Tamil name board
      Painting of a groom and bride joining hands under a tree, with Shiva and Parvathy behind them
      Paved courtyard with a shrine entrance at right and tiered towers behind the wall
      A leafy tree beside a railed platform, with a pillared hall and a tower in the background
      A tall weathered stone wall with a tower rising beyond it
      Open hall with square stone pillars and a painted ceiling edge, beside the outer wall
      Two grey shrines with carved, painted domes beside a long wall with red and white stripes
      Wide paved courtyard with a small shrine, a long wall and trees beyond it
      Carved shrine roofs in front of a darker stone tower, beside a long temple wall