Sri Lalithambikai Temple is located in Thirumeyachur, in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The main deity (Moolavar) of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Meganatha Swami. Although the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds special significance for Goddess Lalithambikai (Ambal), making it a temple of maternal importance.
The temple is famous for its 5-tier Rajagopuram (main entrance tower) and outer prakaram (circumambulatory path). Upon entering the first prakaram, you will find the sanctum of Goddess Lalithambikai on the right. The sanctum of Meganatha Swami is situated within another prakaram, marked by a small gopuram at the entrance. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is called Meganatha Swami, while Goddess Lalithambikai, also known as Santhanayaki, is worshipped as the Ambal.
The idol of Goddess Lalithambikai is about five feet tall and placed on a Srichakra. She is depicted holding a parrot in her hand, a unique feature of this temple.
Legends
- Victory over Pandasura
According to legend, demon Pandasura terrorized sages and celestial beings (Devas). The Devas sought the protection of Goddess Parashakti. She emerged from a sacrificial fire (Yagnakunda), mounted on the Sri Chakra Rath, and fought Pandasura, ultimately defeating him. However, her anger persisted even after his destruction. Lord Shiva advised her to descend to Earth as Manonmani to calm herself through penance. Following this, she became compassionate and merciful.
She also created the Vak Devathas (deities of speech) and asked them to compose a hymn of 1000 names praising her. This became the *Lalitha Sahasranama, starting with “*Sri Matha,”meaning “Mother of prosperity.”
- Birthplace of Notable Deities
According to mythology, this temple is the birthplace of Garuda, Aruna (the Sun God’s charioteer), Vali, Sugriva, Yama, and Shaneeswara.
- The Sun God’s Redemption
Once, Lord Surya (Sun God) was cursed for misdeeds and lost his brilliance, turning dark. Despite his penance, the curse remained. In despair, he cried out to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. This upset Devi, who was with Shiva. Lord Shiva pacified her and prevented her from cursing Surya. This moment is depicted in the temple, showing Lord Shiva calming the Devi by placing one hand on her chin and another on her shoulder. Interestingly, Lord Shiva is portrayed in a veshti (traditional dhoti), and Lalithambikai is dressed in a madisar (nine-yard sari), resembling a Brahmin couple.
Lalitha Sahasranama
Lord Hayagriva, a devotee of Lalithambikai, taught the greatness of the *Lalitha Sahasranama* to Sage Agastya. Upon asking for a suitable place to chant this hymn, Lord Hayagriva guided Agastya to Tirumeeyachur. Sage Agastya and his wife, Lopamudra, visited the temple and chanted the Lalitha Sahasranama before Goddess Lalithambikai. Pleased, the Goddess appeared to them as Navaratnas (nine gems). Sage Agastya composed hymns like “Lalitha Navaratnamala” and “Rahasyanamasahasram” in her honor.
Interesting Facts
In 1999, a woman from Bangalore had recurring dreams of Goddess Lalithambikai asking for a gold anklet (Golusu). After visiting many temples, she saw a magazine featuring the Lalithambikai Temple and recognized it from her dreams. She had an anklet made and visited the temple. Initially, the priest doubted whether the anklet would fit, but to everyone’s surprise, he discovered a soft spot in the idol’s ankle, allowing the anklet to pass through. Later, similar holes were found in the idol’s nose and waist, where a nose pin (Mookuthi) and waist belt (Oddiyanam) were placed.
This temple continues to be a site of devotion, miracles, and rich mythology, drawing devotees from all over the world.