Tiruchopuram Mangalapureeswarar Temple
About Tiruchopuram Mangalapureeswarar Temple
Located in Tiruchopuram village near the Bay of Bengal, approximately 18 kilometers from Cuddalore, this ancient Shiva temple is believed to have been established over 1000-2000 years ago. According to legend, Sage Agasthya installed the self-manifested lingam, and his palm prints remain visible on the deity. The temple was reportedly buried under sand dunes and rediscovered about two hundred years ago by Saint Ramalinga Yogi, who led its renovation. The presiding deity is called Mangalapureeswarar because it is believed that Goddess Parvathi merged with the lingam during its installation by Agasthya, which is why turmeric and kumkum—traditionally offered to goddesses—are used in worship here. The temple features a unique Dakshinamurthy idol where tapping produces the sounds of seven musical notes, and unusually, white clothes are used instead of the traditional yellow. The temple has been praised by Saint Thirugnanasambanthar in Thevaram hymns and contains shrines dedicated to various deities including Vinayaka, Murugan, Natarajar, and the Navagrahas.
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