In Mannargudi, in the Thiruvarur district, stands the ancient Rajagopalaswamy Temple, which is over a 1000 years old. The Vaishnavite temple was built during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, between 1072 AD and 1122 AD, and is deeply revered by Sri Manavala Mamunigal. It is also known as Kulothunga Chola Vinnagaram.
The temple is a vast and magnificent complex spread across 23 acres. Its Rajagopuram rises to a height of 154 feet, and at the main entrance stands a unique Garuda pillar carved from a single stone, measuring 54 feet in height. The temple complex houses 16 towers, 18 vimanas, 24 shrines, seven prakaras, nine sacred ponds, and two wooden chariots, making it one of the most prominent temples in the region.
The temple’s elephant, Sengamalem, is known worldwide for its distinctive bob-cut hairstyle.
In view of the Kumbabishekam ceremony being held at this 1000-year-old temple on January 28, a local holiday has been declared for the Mannargudi, Needamangalam, and Kottur unions. To compensate, Thiruvarur District Collector Mohanachandran has announced that February 7, a Saturday, will be a working day.
As a precautionary measure, a holiday has also been declared for a private school near the Vijayamangalam toll gate in Erode district. The half-yearly examination originally scheduled for January 18 has been postponed to January 26. (AI Generated)
