Sri Manathunai Nathar temple is located in the village named Valivalam, in the district of Nagapattinam, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The primary deity of this temple is Manathunai Nathar (Hrudaya Kamala Nathar) (Lord Shiva) and his consort is Maazhai Onkanni (Madhyayadhakshi).
The holy tree of this temple is Punnai. The holy water of this temple is Chakkara theertham. The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameeyam. This temple is nearly 1000-2000 years old in this region. The historical name of this place is Valivalam.
According to the local legends, “The temple is praised in Thevaram hymns of saints Gananasambandar, Appar and Sundarar. This is the 121st Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised by saints.” The main festivals of this temple are Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Thai Poosam in January-February; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November; Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Aavani Sundays in August-September; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Purattasi Navarathri in September-October and Panguni Uthiram in March-April celebrated in the temple.
It is to be noted that Lord in the temple is a swayambu murthy. The temple is open for all the devotees and pilgrims from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. In this temple, Sun, Sage Karanamamunivar, Valian, Pandavas, saint Arunagiriar and Kochengatcholan had worshipped Lord. It is to be remembered that those who are suffering from confused mind, cardic problems and mentally weak wholeheartedly pray in this shrine for immediate solution.