A Siva temple, located in Siddharkadu, Tiruvallur district, thousands of years old, is being renovated. Dhaadri (gooseberry, nelli in Tami) plays a significant role in the worship here. In fact, the main deity is called Dhaadriswarar and His consort is Poonguzhali Ambal.
Devotees offer abishekam with nelli juice and milk. Ambal is adorned with green vastra and bangles. This is a pariharastalam for those born under the star Swati. They offer prayers to the Kuberan here, distribute curd rice and tamarind rice with nelli pickle.
The pillars in the temple have images of siddhars such as Padukkai Jatamudi Siddhar and Prana Dipika Siddhar. The latter is worshipped for long life. Those afflicted with heart ailment light ghee lamps for him. Legend has it that both siddhars did penance here and installed a lingam under a nelli tree. Hence the name Sidharkadu, also referred to as Sidhukkadu. It is called Tirumanam because of the deity sitting in an area filled with fragrant flowers
Special abishekam is done for Subramanyar on Kartigai of Thai and Aadi, Thaipoosam and Panguni Uthiram. On the day of Tirukartigai, lamps are lit for all the 27 stars in the main deity’s shrine.
A 10-day festival for Nataraja and Sivakami is conducted in Maargazhi. Tirukkalyanam that takes place on Tiruvadirai is witnessed by thousands of devotees, especially for harmonious marriage. Contact 91-9444793942, 9444562335.
Address: 1/16, East Mada Street, Tirumanam village (via) Pattabhiram, Vayalanallur Post, Chennai 60072.
