08 January 2014

Uthrakosa Mangai




Thiru Uthira Kosa Mangai - உத்திரகோசமங்கை - is a must see temple for everyone.

The main deity here is Mangalanathar and his consort Mangala Nayaki. The specialty of the temple is that there is a separate shrine for Lord Maragatha Natarajar, the 5 ½ ft. idol made of Emarald - A brilliant statue which remains covered with the sandal paste throughout the year except on 2 days during Arudra Darshanam. This 3000 year old temple which houses this Maragatha Natrajar is referred to as the Adhi Natrajar /Adhi Chidamabaram (supposed to have existed even before Chidambaram). Manickavasagar stayed here and got his upadesam from Lord Shiva.




Uthram means "Upadesam", Osam means "Rahasyam" or secret and since Lord Shiva imparted the Upadesam to Parvati and also danced for her, it is called as Uthirakosa mangai.


The main reason for emerald statue to be covered with sandal paste was to save it from the prying eyes of British. And they don't play loud music with mathalam or drum beats for safeguarding the emerald statue.

One has to see the dark green emerald statue of the "Raja kolam" of Natrajar - Its amazing similarity to Chidamabaram, no snake either in the neck or waist, or Ganga on his head! The sandalwood paste which adorns Him is a medicine for treating diseases and you can get that as prasadam from the temple counters. Since the 2 days are too crowded, one can visit during the rest of the year, to have a good darshan

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