About Mangalanathaswamy Temple
Mangalanathaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Uthirakosamangai village in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. Revered as one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, it is renowned for its rare emerald (Maragatha) Nataraja statue and 1000-year-old stone architecture. The temple features Dravidian style gopurams, mandapams and sacred tanks, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in heritage, architecture and religious traditions.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a historic Dravidian temple complex with towering gopurams, pillared mandapams, stone sculptures and sacred tanks. The main shrine is dedicated to Mangalanathaswamy (Shiva) with consort Mangalambigai, and the temple is famous for its Maragatha (emerald) Nataraja and Sahasralingam. The premises include courtyards, shrines and corridors where devotees perform darshan and rituals. The surroundings are rural and quiet, with shops for offerings outside the entrance.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, traditionally believed to be over 3000 years old
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Rare 6-foot Maragatha (emerald) Nataraja statue, covered with sandal paste and unveiled only on Arudra Darshan day
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Ancient Sahasralingam (1000 lingams carved on a single stone) in the temple complex
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Dravidian architecture with seven-tiered gopuram, intricately carved pillars and mandapams
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Sacred temple tanks including Agni Theertham associated with temple rituals
History of Mangalanathaswamy Temple
Considered one of the most ancient Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, traditionally dated to over 3000 years and associated with Pandya and later Chola patronage. The temple is mentioned in Tamil devotional literature and is noted for its early Dravidian stone construction, inscriptions and continuous worship tradition. The Maragatha Nataraja and Sahasralingam reflect historic artistry and iconographic traditions.
Culture & Context
Major Shaivite pilgrimage centre dedicated to Mangalanathaswamy (Shiva) and Mangalambigai (Parvati). Revered for the emerald Nataraja representing Shiva as cosmic dancer, and for rituals linked to marriage and well-being. Annual festivals such as Arudra Darshan when the sandal paste covering is removed, and Maha Shivaratri draw large numbers of devotees.