Sekkizhar Mani Mandapa - Kundrathur

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Kundrathur, a serene suburb in the vicinity of Chennai city, is renowned primarily for its hilltop Murugan temple. Nestled in this village is an ancient and grand temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Nageswarar temple. Adjacent to this sacred shrine, one can find the Sekkizhar Mani Mandapa, which we shall explore in this article.

Sekkizhar, the illustrious Tamil scholar and poet, hailed from Kundrathur. His life flourished in the 12th century CE during the reign of Kulotunga Chola II. Sekkizhar is most celebrated for his magnum opus, "Periya Puranam," an epic that meticulously chronicles the lives and extraordinary virtues of the 63 Nayanmars. Notably, it was Sekkizhar himself who commissioned the construction of the Nageswarar temple.
In honor of this revered poet, a spacious hall was erected near the Nageswarar temple in more recent times, bearing the name Sekkizhar Mani Mandapa. At the heart of this grand hall stands a dignified statue of Sekkizhar. Within the Mani Mandapa, there is a serene Dyana mandapa, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection. The meticulous upkeep of this hall ensures its cleanliness and tidiness.

Surrounding the hall, the open expanse boasts exquisite gardens that beckon villagers during the evening hours. Here, they can revel in the delightful weather and gentle breezes.

Embark on your journey to this remarkable site and delve into its historical and cultural richness.

 Happy travelling.


Location: Sekkizar Mani Mandapam, Big Street, Kundrathur, Tamil Nadu 600069, India

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