Mangalambikai Sametha Kailasanatha Temple is an ancient shrine situated on the banks of Vennaru River near Needamangalam village in
Tiruvarur District. The principal deity is Goddess Mangalambikai.
This temple is a replica of the Brihadisvara Temple of Thanjavur. Its main sanctum lies at least six feet above the ground level. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the history of the temple dates back to the period of Rajendra Chola (BC 1012-1034).
The temple also has separate shrines for Lord Ganesh, Lord Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara and Nandi. Navratri festival, celebrated here amidst much pomp and splendor, attracts a large number of people from far and near.
The temple can be easily accessed by bus from Tiruvarur, which is 55 km east of Thanjavur.
