There are many specialities associated with Sri Lalithambal sameda Sri Meganathaswamy temple in Tirumiyachur, Peralam, Nannilam taluk, Tiruvarur district. Foremost among them is the fact that this is where Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam originated. Also it was here that Sri Agastiyar composed Sri Lalitha Navaratinamala. The Goddess is referred to as Soundarya Nayaki.
Legend has it that it was after worshipping Siva here Surya got rid of a curse and recovered his brilliance. Both Sani and Yama were born to Surya here. Yama worships Sri Meganathaswamy daily at noon.
A unique factor is that two Siva temples coexist here, the other being the shrine for Sri Sakalabhuvaneswarar with sri Megalambika as Consort. The vimanam of Sri Meganathaswamy temple is Gajabrishta.
There is a beautiful sculpture of Kshetrapuraneswarar and Ambal. In the background is an interesting story. Surya doing penance, cries out in agony as Siva does not appear. Disturbed by his call, Parvati protests. Siva pacifies Her and offers Surya relief. The sculpture of the Lord pacifying Ambal shows her sullen from one angle and smiling from another.
Consecration to this eminent Chola temple took place in 2000. Renovation began last year with kumbabishekam planned later this year. Flow of funds will expedite work. For details contact 9443113025 (Velakurichi Adheenam) and 9840053289. email: vcsmani@yahoo.com
Temple time
7 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 4.30-8.30 p.m.
How to reach
Tirumiyachur is 20 km from Mayiladuturai. The Tiruvarur-Mayiladuturai road leads to Peralam, from where Tirumiyachur is just over 1 k.m.
