Sri Ratnagiriswarar temple is located in the village named Marugal, in the district of Nagapattinam, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The main deity of this temple is Ratnagiriswarar – Manicka Vannar (Lord Shiva) and his consort is Vanduvar Kuzhali.
The holy tree of this temple is Vazhai (Plantain) – Marugal. The holy water of this temple is Lakshmi – Manicka 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 Marugal.
According to the local legends, “The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar. This is the 80th Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.” The important festivals of this temple are Deepavali in October-November, Pongal-Makar Sankranti in January and both Tamil and English New Year days, Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November; the 10 day Chithirai Brahmmotsavam with procession of Lord twice each day in the morning and evening, wedding festival of a Chetty youth and a Chetty girl on the seventh day and theerthavari on the final 10th day in April-May; the second important festival being the Varalakshmi puja when Lord Varadaraja Perumal and Mother Mahalakshmi come in procession on the Kamal-Lotus vahan, offering Theertham Prasad in Avani-August-September; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Aani Tirumanjanam in June-July.
It is to be remembered that every first day of the Tamil month according to the Hindu traditional calendar is a festival day. The devotee and pilgrims crowd is huge number in these days at this temple. There will also be special pujas and rituals on these festive and auspicious days.