Thirumarugal

Name origin

Thirumarugal derived its name from a plantain named Marugal found inside the northern-side of the Rathnagiriswarar temple since time immemorial. The specialty of the plantain, is that it will not grow anywhere else if its branch is cut and planted. The place is also called ‘Kadalivana Kshethram’ in Sanskrit.

Temple history

This is one of the Mada kovils built by Kochsengat Cholan.The Lord Shiva in this temple is known as Rathnagiriswarar (Sanskrit) and Maanikkavannar (Tamil). The Lordess parvathi is called as "VANDUVAR KUZHALI" in Tamil and "Aamodhalanayagi"(Sanskrit). It was here that Lord Brahma and Sage Parashara did penance, the former to regain his powers and the latter to rid himself of sins. The Lingam here, which is a Swayambhu, was unearthed by King Kusakethu, the Lord's ardent devotee, and bears the scar caused by the king's spade while he was digging the earth. The history of this temple also states that lord Rathinagireeshwarar had showered Rathina mazha to eradicate the famine in that place. Apart from the two saints and Sekkizhar, saint Arunagirinathar mentions this as one of the places where Muruga's father, Lord Siva, blesses His devotees. Saint Ramalingar has also sung about this place.

Saivaite speciality of the place.

Thirumarugal has been sanctified by both Appar and Gnanasambandar through 10 and 11 songs respectively. Sekkizhar, in his Periapuranam, speaks about the greatness of this place.

The Lordess Mahalakshmi here in this Temple resided in this place where "Varalakshmi Nonbu" had started. History stated that Lordess Mahalakshmi had prayed to Lord Vishnu taking Varalakshmi nonbu and reunited with him. hence the Theertham (temple pond)at this place is called Lakshmi Theertham.

Legend has it that once a merchant who had seven daughters promised his nephew that he would give his eldest daughter in marriage to him. However, the merchant was greedy and later married her to someone else. He promised his nephew that he would give him his second daughter in marriage. As time went by, one by one he got his first 6 daughters married to other men of wealth. The last daughter was unhappy about her father breaking his word. One day she eloped with that young man planning to get married in another town. On their way, they stopped for the night at Thirumarugal, and that night a snake bit him and he died. The girl was in distress as she had left her parents and the man she was planning to marry was dead and she was stuck in an unfamiliar place. She was crying and lamenting and praying to Siva. Thirugnanasambandar happened to pass by on his way to the temple in the morning and heard her cries. He was moved by her plight. He went to the temple and sang the song "Sadayay ennumaal Sarani ennumal" pleading to God, explaining the girl's plight. God was moved by the song and resurrected the young man and Thiruganasambandar had them married in front of Siva.

Many More Historical Evens In Great THIRUMARUGAL: The Utsavam "CHETTIPEN CHETTIPILLAI KALYANAM(marriage)" that will be held every year after the full moon day in the first month of the Tamil year chithirai (April /May).

Deity Manickavannar, Rathnagiriswarar Goddess Vanduvar kuzhali, Aamothalanayagi Sthala Maram Banana Sthala Teertham Manicka theertham, Lakshmi Theertham Sung by Thirugnanasambandhar,Appar,Arunagirinathar,Ramalinga Adigalaar

சடையா யெனுமால் சரண்நீ யெனுமால் விடையா யெனுமால் வெருவா விழுமால் மடையார் குவளை மலரும் மருகல் உடையாய் தகுமோ இவள்உள் மெலிவே.

(திருஞானசம்பந்தர்)

பெருக லாந்தவம் பேதைமை தீரலாந் திருக லாகிய சிந்தை திருத்தலாம் பருக லாம்பர மாயதோ ரானந்தம் மருக லானடி வாழ்த்தி வணங்கவே.- Appar 5.88.1

(திருஞானசம்பந்தர்)

The reason for name THIRUMARUGAL

In Tamil language marugal is another representation of banana tree. Banana tree never destroyed naturally,which can regenerate by the corm(child) of that tree.