Thirumanancheri, temple or land of marriage (thirumanam in Tamil means marriage), is a holy village in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. The village is known to the outer world due to a temple dedicated to Lord Siva and his wife Uma (Parvati).
The Hindu mythology relates the existence of the Thirumanancheri with the story of Uma and Siva. Sri Umamangai Devi meditated and started fasting in Kailash Himalayas praying Lord Siva to remarry her in the earth. Lord Siva blessed her and offered her to remarry in the next Brahma Karpam. She was unhappy with the long waiting required and she behaved indifferently to Lord Siva.
Lord Siva cursed her to live on Earth as a cow. She repented later for her action and prayed for absolving her from the curse. Then Lord Shiva blessed her by sending three people Tirumagal, Kalaimagal & Indirani as cows to Earth to accompany her. Uma Devi showered her milk everyday to a Sivalingam at this place as an offering to Lord Shiva. Pleased with the devotion Uma had, Lord Siva remarried her at Thirumanancheri.
This village is believed to be very auspicious to have marriage ceremony for a long married life. Devotees from all over India throng to this temple to perform marriage rituals.
Nearby destinations to Thirumanancheri include Nagarjunakonda, Kammam, Viper Island, Ross Island, Neil Island, Cinque Island, Chatham Island and Barren Island.
By Air: Nearest airport to Thirumanancheri is at Trichi. Nearest major airport to Thirumanancheri is Chennai International Airport located at about 263 km distance.
By Rail: Mayiladuthurai railhead is the nearest railway station to Thirumanancheri.
By Road: Thirumanancheri is directly connected to all neighboring cities through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Buses. Private deluxe buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore every day.