Raja Matangi Temple – Nangur, Tamil Nadu

History & Significance

The temple holds deep spiritual significance, rooted in ancient legends:

Mathanga Maharishi, a sage and son of Brahma, performed intense penance here. During his meditation, he discovered a girl in a pond, whom he named Mathangi. He raised her, imparting various arts and knowledge. Upon reaching maturity, Mathangi desired to marry Lord Shiva. Moved by her devotion, Shiva married her, thus becoming Mathangeeswarar, and Parvati became Mathangeeswari.
The temple is one of the Vaippu Sthalams, mentioned in the hymns of Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. It is also known as Parasaravanam and is considered the capital of Nangur, hence referred to as ‘Nangur Nattu Nangur’.
A unique feature of this temple is the presence of two Nandis (sacred bulls) facing opposite directions. During Pradosha, abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed on both Nandis simultaneously, believed to bestow numerous blessings upon devotees.

Address: Sri Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Nearby Landmark: Approximately 2 km from Annanperumalkoil on Nangur Road, near the Sirkazhi–Nagapattinam route via Porayar.
Coordinates: 11.1924° N, 79.7962° E

Nearest Station: Sirkazhi Railway Station
- Connected to major cities like Chennai and Mayiladuthurai.
- From Sirkazhi, local transport like buses or taxis can be taken to reach the temple.

Regular bus services are available from Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai to Thirunangur.
Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available for hire from nearby towns.

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ)
- Approximately 150 km from the temple.
- From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sirkazhi, then proceed to Thirunangur.

Vaikasi Wedding Festival: Celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), commemorating the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mathangeeswari.
Rajamathangi Homam: A special fire ritual performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Rajamathangi for wisdom, eloquence, and artistic skills.
Pradosha Abhishekam: On Pradosha days, special abhishekam is conducted for both Nandis, believed to grant numerous boons to devotees.