Maneeswarar Swamy- Annur
Annur Arulmigu Maha Maneeswarar Temple
Annur Arulmigu Maha Maneeswarar Temple is situated in Annur, a small town about 30 km from Coimbatore. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Maneeswarar and his consort Arunthava Chelvi, is a Vaipu Sthalam (sung by Gnana Sambhandar without actually visiting this temple). Annur was formerly known as Anniyur. It is also referred to as Then Kalathi and Metralai Thanjavur.
Legend
A hunter named Anni once repented for killing animals and chose to live a compassionate life, depending on vegetables and roots. One day, while digging for a root vegetable—possibly tapioca or sweet potato—he found blood oozing from the ground. Disturbed, he called for help. The Chera king arrived and tried using an elephant to pull out the root, but it wouldn’t budge.
Suddenly, dark clouds appeared, and a divine voice (asareeri) proclaimed that Lord Shiva would manifest at that spot as a Swayambhu Lingam with wings. The king and hunter begged for forgiveness. Lord Shiva, in His mercy, forgave them. In Tamil, "mannippu" means forgiveness, and hence the Lord became known as Maneeswarar (Maṉi = forgive, Eeswarar = Lord).
The king then constructed a temple at the site. Even today, the cut mark on the top of the Lingam—caused during digging—is visible. Since the manifestation was due to Anni, the place came to be known as Anniyur, which became Annur.
The Temple
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| Inside Praharam | Kodi maram |
The temple faces west and features a 7-tier Rajagopuram. Upon entering, one sees the Balipedam, Dwajasthambam, and Nandi. Inscriptions suggest the temple was likely built around the 9th or 10th century by the Kongu Cheras or Kongu Cholas.
There is a sannadhi for Ambal Arunthava Selvi. Inside the praharam, has sannithis for Bhairavar, Guru Bhagwan, Nataraja, Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Anjaneya, Nalvar, who sang the Thevaram and Tiruvasagam hymns and, Tiruneelakanda Nayanar. There are seven Nagar idols under the sacred valli tree in the Sarparaja sannithi.
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| About Maha Vilvam | Maha Vilvam |
There are big vilva trees which is the 'sthala viruktcham'. The leaves are compound leave with more than 7 seen in a stalk and is known as 'Maha Vilvam'
The Suryan and Chandran shrines are near the Rajagopuram. In the Navagraha sannidhis, all nine planets face the Sun. A separate shrine exists for Sani Bhagavan. On Saturdays, Ellu Sadam (sesame rice) is offered as neivedyam.
Faith and Beleifs :It is beleived that for the sins continuing from births of past and present committed knowingly or unknowingly, devotees seek the blessings and forgiveness from Sri Maneeswarar.
Festivals
Daily poojas are performed four times a day. Weekly rituals include Somavaram and Sukravaram. Fortnightly Pradosham and monthly observances like Amavasai, Pournami, Kiruthigai, and Sathurthi are also celebrated.Special pujas are conducted in the temple on Amavasai days (new moon days). The oonjal festival is celebrated each Friday, with devotees worshipping Ambal Arunthava Selvi that day for children.
Temple Information
Location: Around 30 km from Coimbatore, 22 km from Avinashi.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Contact: Temple phone – 04254 262450
How to Reach?
Frequent buses operate from Coimbatore to Annur and Avinashi. One can also drive or hire a taxi.
Where to Stay?
There are no major hotels in Annur. The best option is to stay in Coimbatore, which offers a range of accommodations.
Nearby Places
Avinashiappar Temple at Avinashi is a significant nearby spiritual destination.
