A Mada Koil built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan
Ravi Gurukal, now 66, has been serving as the sole priest for over 30 years with his salary having gone up from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1100 in these three decades
As seen in Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s praise of Thiru Naraiyur (Nachiyar Koil Divya Desam), Ko Chenganan Chozhan had built 70 Mada Koils(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2014/12/ko-chenganan-and-nachiyar-koil-divya.html?m=0). Thirumangai Azhvaar dedicated an entire set of 10verses to the Chozha King clearly impressed with his 'Maada Koil' construction, those where an elephant could not make its way. Ko Chenganan’s anger against elephants is reflected in all these temples. All of the Saivite temples built by him were such that the elephant could not enter. It was either a small entrance into the sanctum or a high rise with steps steeper than normal that an elephant could not climb. Such temples with either a narrow passage or high rise are referred to as Maada Koils. The first of these was in Thiru – Aanai- Kaval (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2014/12/thiruvanaikaval-jambukeswarar.html).
The story goes that a Spider provided shade to the Lord through its cobweb, while an elephant performed pooja removing all the dirt around the lord, bringing water for Abhishekam, plucking flowers and fruits and providing sandalwood. One day, angered at finding a cobweb above the Lord, the elephant swung his tail and hit out at the web as he saw it as dirt. In retaliation, the spider entered the nose of the elephant. Stung with unbearable pain, the elephant died. The spider caught inside elephant’s body too died of suffocation. The spider asked to be born as a King who would build everlasting temples but his anger against elephants remained.
Praised by Appar and Gnana Sambandar
The Abhi Muktheeswarar temple in Manakkal (Ayyampet) historically referred to as Thiru Peruvelur about 7kms North of Thiruvarur is one such Mada Koil built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan. The temple has been praised by Saivite Saint Poets Thiru Gnana Sambandar and Thirunavukarasar.
மறையணி நாவினானை மறப்பிலார் மனத்துளானை
கறையணி கண்டன்றன்னை கனலெரி யாடினானை
பிறையணி சடையினானை பெருவேளூர் பேணினானை
நாராயணி மலர்கள் தூவி நாடொறும் வணங்கு வேனே - Appar
Festivals a thing of the Past
Once upon a time, there was an 18day Brahmotsavam including Pidari and Ayyanar Utsavams but these have long become a thing of the past. After 1966, Kumbabhisekam had not taken place for 40years before the consecration in 2006. It is now 16 years since that Kumbabhisekam. There were paricharakars and a group of service personnel but none exist today except the sole priest. The utsava idols have been placed in safe custody at the Vaikunta Narayana Perumal temple and the only procession of the year is on the occasion of the annual Kanda Sashti Utsavam..
Devotionally Committed @ 66
Agatheeswarar Gurukal is now 66 years old. He has been performing abhisekam at this temple for over 30 years. He started off at a monthly salary of Rs. 400!!! There is no cook at the temple madapalli. For decades, his wife has doubled up as the temple cook handing over the morning Neivedyam for him to present to the Lord. On days, when ouststation devotees make their way for Parikara Sevai, she also makes special Neivedyam such as Chakkarai Pongal.
Devotees with Sukra Neecham visit this temple for Parikaram. Also, devotees bring their deaf and dumb children to the temple as they believe that offering sincere prayers at this temple will bring back the voice.
A Gurukal at Rs. 400 for 30 years
After completing Class X exams at the Semmangudi High school in Manakkal-Ayyampet, Agatheeswarar Gurukal went to the Patshala in Sikkal for initiation into the Kaarana Agama. His appa Vaidyanathan Gurukal had peformed pooja at the village temple in Keerangudi, about 1 km from Manakkal (Ayyampet). His uncle was at the praised Agatheeswarar temple in Manakkal Ayyampet. After completion of his Patshala education, he performed abhisekam in a temple in Karaiveeram, a nearby village while also being involved in supporting the Lead Shivachariar in Kumbabhisekams.
Just over three decades ago, the Abhi Muktheeswarar temple was short on a priest. Once upon a time there used to be a vibrant agraharam with the Vaikunta Narayana Perumal temple located half a km from here. The original inhabitants left this temple town and the temple and the existing priest felt the pinch. Priests came here for a short period but could not continue for there were severe financial challenges.
It is a temple off the Kudavasal Thiruvarur highway. It is the only temple in this neighbourhood that has been praised by both Appar and Gnana Sambandar. Not too many priests would come forward to perform service at such a remote location where the financial remuneration is so low. As his uncle had served at this historical temple, Agatheeswarar ‘Ravi’ Gurukkal took charge as the archaka in 1990. After over 30 years, his salary has increased to Rs. 1100!!! His house right in front of the temple is old fashioned and like the traditional one that one would have found in the 20th century. But Ravi Gurukal is contented to live this way and has shown great devotional commitment to not just perform daily service for over 30years but also to continue to take care of the temple all alone at the age of 66 when his physical strength is giving way. He climbs the steep 18 steps each day to light the lamp in the morning and presents Neivedyam to Abhi Muktheeswarar. With the previous Kumbabhisekam having taken place in 2006, efforts are likely to be taken this year to provide a facelift to the temple. The Raja Gopuram at the Eastern Entrance wears a faded look. He expects the consecration of the temple to take place soon and is likely to be anchoring his second Kumbabhisekam at this temple.
It has been through his efforts that this Paadal Petra Sthalam has survived the test of times. One does not know if there will be another priest who will be ready to take charge in such a remote location in the future but for now, Ravi Gurukal is devotionally strong and continues to perform parikara and prarthana abhisekams for devotees who reach out to him with challenges in their lives.
And he is ever willing to invoking the blessings of Abhi Muktheeswarar and Abhinaambigai Ambal (Elavaar Kuzhali)
The temple is open from 9am to 11am and 5pm to 730pm. Devotees may call Ravi Gurukal on 99442 49941 before visiting the temple.