Sunday, September 10, 2017

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Needamangalam, Thiruvarur
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Needamangalam Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi Amman. Urchavar is Somaskandar. Sthala Vriksham is Paneer and Vilwa Tree. Vennaru and a well in the temple are the Theerthams associated with this Temple.

Legends
King Prathapasimha of Thanjavur in his quest for progeny constructed many Vishnu temples yet his wish was not granted. he was advised by a minister to raise a temple for Lord Shiva and the location was suggested by a sage who had come from Kashi. The sage blessed the king to receive all the benefits of visiting Kasi here itself. Subsequently the king had a child.
History
The region is praised by many names as Cholavala Nadu, Chenni Nadu, Abhaya Nadu, Chembian Nadu, Ponni Nadu and so on. They have significant references in literatures and scriptures. The temple is believed to have been built during the 24 years rule of King Pratapa Simha Maharaja. He was the son of Maharaja Venkoji. The construction of the temple would have been taken up along with that of the Santhana Ramaswamy temple.  In the years followed, the temple grew in name and fame. After the Mahasamprokshanam in 1924, the consecration was performed in 1956 with the latest in the year 1990. Presently, though the temple is under the control of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities, an administrative body oversees the daily maintenance.
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi Amman. Urchavar is Somaskandar. Sthala Vriksham is Paneer and Vilwa Tree. Vennaru and a well in the temple are the Theerthams associated with this Temple. The temple stands on the west side of Needamangalam surrounded by three rivers Vennaru, Karayaru and Pamani. There are two entrances – east and south.  

The Rajagopuram on the southern entrance has a three-tier design with three Kalasas. The flag pole is on the east, the kitchen (Madapalli) is on the Southeast side and the Yagasala on the northeastern side. Nearby are the Navagraha (9 planet shrine) and separate shrines for Sun and Shani Bhawan facing west. Presiding deity Lord Kasi Viswanathar is facing east and Mother Visalakshi is on the south side in a separate shrine with one Kalasa. The idol of Mother Visalakshi is made of Panchaloka metal and always shines with Alankaras.

Lord Nataraja also on the south side in a separate shrine with 5 Kalasas. The Maha Mandapam is spacious enough to accommodate 300 devotees. Lord Vinayaka, Planet Jupiter (Guru Bhagwan) and Lord Dakshinamurthy facing east and Chandikeswara on the south in a shrine with one Kalasa grace the devotees. Mothers Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswathi are also facing east from their shrines. There are also shrines for Ishta Devathas.

Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Fortnightly Ashtami pujas, Navarathri in September-October and all Lord Shiva related festivals are celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
People pray to Lord and Mother for removal of obstacles in wedding negotiations, prosperity and success in political ambitions. The devotee crowd is ever huge as the temples serves as a remedy centre – Parihara Sthala. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Annabishekam and join other events of pujas.
Contact
Kasi Viswanathar Temple,
Needamangalam – 614 404,
Thiruvarur district.
Mobile: +91 94441 39199 / 8012162370
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Kumbakonam, 15 Kms from Mannargudi, 30 Kms from Tiruvarur and 33 Kms from Thanjavur and 88 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is on the Othakudi road not far from the Railway Station. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.