Chaya Shakti Pittha: Eengoinathar Temple

Posted by on

Temple Name: Eengoinathar

Devi: Sri Lalitha
Bhairava: Siva Bhairava
Organ: Face Shadow
Sanskrit letter: "LA"

How to Reach:

  • Nearest Locations: Rathnagiri (5 km), Tiruchy (42 km), Namakkal (41 km)
  • Location: Eengoimalai, Thiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu

About the Temple

  • Moolavar: Maragadachaleswarar (Trinajyotheeswarar), Eengoinathar
  • Amman/Thayar: Maragadambikai
  • Thala Virutcham: Tamarind tree
  • Age: 1000-2000 years old
  • Historical Name: Thiruengoimalai

Festivals:

  • Brahmmotsavam: Panguni (March-April)
  • Masi Magam: February-March
  • Thai Poosam: January-February
  • Pujas: All Full Moon days (Poornimas)

History:

Maragadachaleswarar Temple, located at Thiruengoimalai in Trichy District, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is known by various names including Maragathachalar, Maragadachaleswarar, Trinajyotheeswarar, Eengoinathar, Malaikozhnthar, Achutheeswarar, Brahmeswarar, and Indreekarar. The temple's goddess, Maragathavalli or Maragadambikai, is the focal point of devotion.

Significant Features:

  • Hillock Names: Maragathamalai, Thenkailayam, Sivasakthimalai, Malaikovil, Erattimalai
  • Rivers Nearby: The river Cauvery and Surpanathi (also known as Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai) flow near the hillock.

Religious Importance:

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar.

Legends and Stories:

  • Sri Lalitha Sahasranama: The sacred Lalitha Sahasranama, which praises the Divine Mother in 1,008 names, is said to have originated here. The Vasinyathi Vag Devathas glorified the Goddess for the benefit of humanity.
  • Sage Agasthiyar: This great sage composed the Sri Lalitha Navaratna Maalai in classical Tamil here. The legend narrates how Goddess Lalitha, after defeating the demon Bandasura, took abode in Thirumeeyachoor as Manonmani, where she was worshipped with the Lalitha Sahasranama by the Vasinyathi Vag Devatas.

Spiritual and Tantric Significance:

This temple is a significant site for tantric practices. The Devi Lalitha is said to be surrounded by 64 crore yoginis. Sage Aagasthiya installed the linga in this Shakti Peetam, also known as ‘La’ peetam, Maragathasalam, Thintrivanam, and Eengoimalai.

Myth:

There is a myth about Sage Agasthiya transforming into a bee to enter the temple when it was locked. This incident gave the deity the name "Eengoinathar" ('Ee' meaning bee in Tamil). The temple has historical significance with celestial bodies worshipping here and significant tantric practices conducted.

Unique Features:

  • Swayambu Lingam: The original Maragatha lingam was believed to be transparent, casting a green shadow when camphor was burned. Unfortunately, it was stolen a few years ago.

Current Administration:

The temple is under the administration of Velakurichi Adheenam, with the 18th Adheenakartha Sri Ajaba Nateswarar Swamigal leading the Mahakumbabishekam work.

For a spiritually enriching experience, a visit to the Chaya Shakti Pittha in Eengoimalai offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Tamil Nadu's religious heritage.

Comments

Post a Comment