Mamara Guhai, Thiruvannamalai

Mamara Guhai is a Hindu temple located in the town of Thiruvanamalai. The literal meaning of Mamara Guhai is ‘mango tree cave’ and the temple is actually a cave that has been turned into a shrine. Overlooking the cave is a mango tree.

The cave has a lot of religious significance for the local Hindu population. Saint Ramana Maharishi meditated in this cave temple for six long years. Inside the temple are three idols, one of Lord Shiva and the other two are of Goddesses.

In the temple is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, the ‘Vishwanthar’, who is considered the lord of the world. The idols representing the female form are of the Goddesses Rajarajeshwari and Annaporna Devi.

Inside the temple are enshrined the lingams of Siddha Gurus. The Siddhars are the followers of Siddha gurus and worship them in the form of lingams since they are considered forms of Lord Shiva.