Thirumanancheri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

At a distance of 26 Km from Kumbakonam, Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple, also known as Udhvaganathar Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Thirumanancheri in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous places to visit as part of the Thanjavur couple packages. Thirumanancheri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Udhvaganathar, alongside his consort Kokhila Amman. People from far and wide visit the temple, particularly those facing marriage delays or seeking blessings for a happy marriage.

History of Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

Thirumanancheri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple was constructed by Sembiyanman Devi during the Chola dynasty and is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams, celebrated in the early medieval Tevaram hymns composed by the Tamil Saivite saints Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar. The temple is counted as one of the temples built on the banks of River Kaveri. Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a prominent religious institution, has been maintaining the temple since the early part of the 13th century.

Mythology of Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

The term Thirumanancheri means 'place of marriage', which directly alludes to the divine union believed to have taken place there. According to the legend, Shiva and Parvati engaged in a celestial game of dice that escalated into a quarrel. In a moment of anger, Shiva transformed Parvati into a cow and sent her to Earth. Regretting his actions, he sought the assistance of Lord Vishnu to restore Parvati to her original form. Vishnu took on the guise of a cowherd to protect his 'sister.' He subsequently lifted the curse at a location called 'Thiruvaduthurai'. In this place, Parvati lived as the daughter of Bharatha Muni. Eventually, Lord Shiva approached the sage to request her hand in marriage. The sage consented joyfully, and with the blessings of Lord Vishnu and other deities, Lord Shiva remarried Parvati here, giving rise to the name Thirumanancheri.

Architecture of Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

The temple is renowned for its exceptional Dravidian architectural style. The striking feature of this temple is the five-tiered gopuram at the entrance, adorned with vibrant and intricate carvings. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Shiva, represented as Sri Kalyanasundarar, stands alongside his consort, Goddess Parvati, depicted as Kokilambal, in a pose symbolizing their marriage. There are elaborate sculptures that depict various scenes from the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the temple walls.

Separate shrines are dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga. The temple complex features halls and corridors supported by intricately carved pillars, showcasing detailed carvings, inscriptions, and stucco images. Additionally, a sacred tank known as Kalyana Theertham is present, where devotees traditionally bathe before entering the temple.

The Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple is particularly famous for its 'Kalyana Pooja,' a special ritual aimed at individuals seeking a life partner, as it is believed that the divine couple bestows blessings for prompt and successful marriages upon those who participate in the puja and receive the prasadam. Each year, especially during the auspicious months of Thai and Maasi, numerous visitors are drawn to this site. The temple also hosts significant festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Karthikai Deepam, Navratri, and Arudra Dharshanam, attracting devotees from across India who comes to offer their prayers to the Divine couple.

Festivals of Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

The temple hosts the three-day Chithirai wedding festival of the divine couple in April and May, creating a magnificent ambiance in the area. A significant number of devotees visit during the Pradosham days each month and throughout the Aadi season. Celebrations for Thiruvadhirai in December and January, Navarathri, Vijayadasami, Thirukkarthigai, and Aruda Dharshanam are held with great splendor at this location.

Thirumanancheri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Kalyana Sundareswarar temple in Thirumanancheri, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 150
VIP Darshan available for Rs. 500

Best Time to Visit Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

The optimal period to explore Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple is between October and March, with the highest influx of visitors occurring from November to February. The temple hosts a splendid three-day Chithirai wedding festival celebrating the divine couple in April or May, enhancing the temple's atmosphere. Many devotees flock to the temple during the auspicious months of Thai and Maasi for the Kalyana Pooja. It is recommended to refrain from visiting during the peak summer months of April to June, as the temperatures can soar, making outdoor activities more challenging.

How to Reach Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 128 kilometers from Thirumanancheri. Mayiladuthurai Railway Junction and the Kumbakonam Railway Junction are the nearest railway stations to the temple that are 11 Km, and 26 Km away from the temple. These stations offer extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services, as well as private taxis are available to Thirumanancheri from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur.