Mangalanatha Swamy Temple - Uthirakosamangai

This temple is located in Uthirakosamangai village, 15 km away from Ramanathapuram. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva in the name of Mangalanatha Swamy and his consort Parvati as Mangalambigai. The construction of the temple was assumed to be initiated by the Pandya kings Achutappa Nayak, Muthuveerappan and other kings of Ramanthapuram at that time. The temple has its mention in the hymns of 9th-century saint Manickavasagar and 15th-century saint Arunagirinathar. The temple is believed to exist since 3000 years ago. This is the place where Lord Shiva transferred the taught Vedas to his consort Goddess Parvati. Thus the name Uthirakosamangai came to use (Uthiram - secrets, kosam - to say, mangai - girl).

It is believed that problems related to the previous birth, astrology, delayed marriage etc will be solved if one visits here. Another significant fact about this temple is that the Nataraja idol here. At a height of almost 6 feet, It is made up of the most precious and rare emerald. We can not find such a huge emerald idol anywhere in the world. It is scientifically believed that emeralds are more sensitive and can’t withstand sunlight and water. So, the statue here is enveloped by sandal paste all the time. Once in a year, the devotees get the opportunity to witness this idol without sandal, which is colloquially called ‘Arudra Darisanam’. People from the neighbourhood throng on this day, which comes every year in January month. Further to these historical significances, the temple is highly noted for its dravidian architecture also.