Abodes of Shiva

Manimangalam village is located about 10 kms from Tambaram on the western side of Mudichur Road leading towards Padappai.

This village has a very high historic importance because of the huge battle fought here between Narasimhavarma Pallava and the Chalukya King Pulikesi II. This battle was fought in Manimangalam during 7th Century AD. According to the inscriptions, this temple is said to have got constructed by Chozhas. This temple has mentions in the inscriptions as Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam, belonging to Kunrathur Naadu, a division of Puliyur Kottam in the district of Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalam. In ancient days, the lands along with temple were donated by the kings to the Vedic scholars for performing Vedic rituals for the well being of the country. Such villages were called as Chathurvedhi Mangalams. Manimangalam is one such village and was called as Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam.The whole temple is built on stone with wonderful architecture. Even the steps to reach the Mandapam outside the sanctum is done beautifully, but damaged in few places.There is a Bali Peetam and another big Nandhi found at the outer praakaaram facing the sanctum. There is a wall obstructing Nandhi from viewing the sanctum, but for a small opening in it. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Vedhaambigai at the outer praakaaram, facing south. Another rarity of Manimangalam is one can find many Vinayagar temples in this village, be it small or big. And all the Vinayagars have elephant as their Vaahana (Carrier) and not the Mooshikha (mouse).