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 Located in Tiruvarur district, the Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy temple is another testimony to the fact that Tamil Nadu is the foundation for all artistic works. This temple was built in 1072 AD and the construction was completed after 50 years in 1122 AD. The temple is another wonder produced by the Cholas, this time by Kulothunga Chola - I. The temple is also known as
Kulothungacholavinnagaram.
The temple has a Mani mandapam built by a Nayak king by name Raghunath Nayak between 1630 and 1634. It also has ten theerthams like Harithra nadi, Durvasa theertham, Milk River, Gopika theertham, Rukmini theertham, Agnikunda theertham, Krishna theertham, Sangu theertham, Chakra theertham and the Pambani River. The temple is spread around six acres with a whopping 154 feet rajagopuram. It was built under the Pancharathra agama with seven prakarams, 16 gopurams, seven mandapams, 24 sannidhis and eight
vimanas.
There is also a thousand-pillar hall here. A Durbar hall is the nucleus of all activities during the Navaratri festival. There is also a Garuda and an elephant mandapam. A very important aspect in this temple is the presence of Santhanagopalakrishnan. It is believed that once Rajasekaran, a prince was hunting in the forest when he met Yagnaseelan who fed him and gave him a place to stay. On leaving the place, the prince promised him that if he comes to his country, he would help him to any extent possible. Yagnaseelan wanted to perform a sacrifice and approached the prince. The prince refused the request. Due to his rejection, his mind became blocked and he became mentally upset.
 He later approached Yagnaseelan and begged for forgiveness. Yagnaseelan told him to take a bath in the Harithra river to cleanse his body and soul, after which the prince became normal. He got married and the Lord Himself appeared as his son and this is why even today, people come here and place an idol of Santhanagopalaswamy in their laps. The temple is also believed to confer on the devotees wealth, valour, fame and knowledge.
The main deity is Rajagopalaswamy along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Poojas are held daily in the morning at 7 a.m. till 12 p.m. During the evening, the temple is open from six to nine. The major functions celebrated here are as follows: Vaikunta Ekadasi, Chithirai summer festival for ten days, Vasanta festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi, theppam during Ani and Aadi and a kolattam festival during Deepavali. Another significant event which takes place in this temple is that every year on the 4th of the Tamil month Thai, Thayar, Rukmini, Satyabhama and Shenkamala Devi assemble at the same place. This is the only day in the year when they come together. On all other days, they are only at their respective
sannidhis.
The Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Panguni is another attraction this goes on for 18 days. During this month, on the star of Rohini, a car festival also takes place. So, with all these festivals and celebrations, Mannargudi is truly a typical Vaishnavite spot with all its pageantry.
For further details, contact:
The Administrator, Rajagopalaswamy Temple,
Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district,
Tamil Nadu.
Ph: 04367 - 422276
S Sowmya
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