Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai
Shiva (Mangalanathar) temple · Uthirakosamangai, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Photo: Balajijagadesh · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Sri Mangalanathar–Mangaleswari Temple at Uthirakosamangai, 18 km from Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, is an ancient Shiva temple whose deity is carved in emerald, according to the Ramanathapuram district administration.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai
The temple's emerald Nataraja idol stays covered with sandal paste through the year and is unveiled for public darshan only during the Arudra Darshan festival, after which a fresh coat of sandal paste is applied, The Hindu reported.
The presiding deity is a swayambhu linga said to have appeared from an Ilandhai (jujube) tree that still stands in the temple. Sage Manickavasagar is worshipped here in the form of a linga, and this is the only Shiva temple where the Thazhamboo flower is permitted in worship, Dinamalar notes.
Heritage
History of Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai
Temple legend, recorded by Dinamalar, links the shrine to Mandodari, wife of Ravana, to whom Shiva is said to have appeared as a child.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The Arudra Darshan festival in December draws large crowds. Confirm darshan arrangements with the temple administration.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Ramanathapuram Samasthanam before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai
Arudra Darshan
The emerald Nataraja idol is unveiled from its sandal-paste covering for public darshan (The Hindu; district administration).
Location
How to Reach Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai
Uthirakosamangai is 18 km from Ramanathapuram (district administration). Postal PIN: 623 533.
Location: Uthirakosamangai, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Mangalanathar) temples · Temples in Ramanathapuram Taluk · Temples in Ramanathapuram District
Questions
Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Mangalanathar Temple?
At Uthirakosamangai, 18 km from Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu.
What is special about the Nataraja idol?
It is made of emerald and is kept covered with sandal paste except during Arudra Darshan.
When is the emerald Nataraja shown?
During the Arudra Darshan festival in December.
Which deity is worshipped?
Shiva as Mangalanathar, with the goddess Mangaleswari.
Who administers the temple?
The Ramanathapuram Samasthanam, whose diwan spoke to The Hindu about the festival.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q7902714 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Uthirakosamangai — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- District Ramanathapuram, Government of Tamil Nadu — Places of interest
- The Hindu — Devotees throng temple
- Dinamalar — Mangalanathar-Mangaleswari Temple details
Further reading: Mangalanathar Swamy Temple, Uthirakosamangai on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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