02nd June 2019.
This temple visit was not planned during our Ahimsa Walk. Mr Mahatma SelvaPandiyan, guided us to this temple which is about 5 KM off on Salem Ulundurpet National Highway. To our request, the temple priest was kind enough to open the door and had the dharshan of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the small King ( Kurunila mannan ) Vanakovaraiyan under Kulothunga Chozha-III. He assumed the title of Pon Parappina in front of his name Vanakovararaiyan. As per the history He was the instrumental for the fall of Chozha Dyanasty in Tamil Nadu.
Iraivan : Sri Kanaka Choleeswarar, Sri Pon Parappina Eswaramudayar
Iraivi : Sri Soundara Nayaki.
Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a small entrance. Only Nandhi and palipedam are in front of sanctum sanctorum. There was a mention about a Dwajasthamban in the inscription but it is not in its place. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam. The sanctum is on a simple patha pandha adhistana. The prastharam has the Kabotham and below the Kabotham ( Valabai ) lotus flower as adhama padmam and Yazhivari is over the Kabotham. The kabotham has the Nasi with kood. Various reliefs are in nasi koodu.
The walls/ bitti and corners are supported by pilasters of Vishnukantha pillars consisting of malai thongal, thamaraikattu, Kalasam, Kumbam, Pali, Palakai, kandam and Pothyal. Nandhis are on four corners of Prastharam. The total Vimana was constructed with stone from Adhistanam to the tip of the Kalasam. The Karnam has the niches with images of Dhakshinamurthy, Narasimhar and Brahma. The Sikaram is of 8 faces with padmam on the top. The Architecture reminds the Thirunthuthevankudi Sri Karkadeswarar Temple. In Koshtam, Nirutha Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and durgai. A Kabotham is also on the Koshtam.
In the prakaram loose sculptures of Suryan, Bhairavar, Dhakshinamurthy ( to replace old damaged one in the Koshtam ), Nalvar, Vinayagar, Shiva Linga, A Nagar with Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Arumugar and Sandikeswarar. Ambal Sri Soundara Nayaki is in a separate sannadhi, built with brick may be added latter.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTION:
The temple was built by the small King regional King( kurunila mannan ) Vanakovaraiyan under Kulothunga Chozha-III ( 1178 – 1218AD) in 13th Century. The inscriptions belongs to Chozhas and Pandyas. The inscriptions mainly speaks about donation of 3000 kuzhi land for the temple by Vanakovaraiyan Villavarayan and the income to be utilized for the daily poojas and celebrations. During Rajaraja-II period Devaradiyars had given donation for creating a nandhavanam and construction of Stone temple ( may be a part of this temple ) . The Sundara Pandyan, who defeated Rajarajan-III ( 1216- 1256AD) inscription speaks about celebration of 9 day festival and first respect to be given on the temple to the weaver Community.
The temple is under Palalayam and renovation works was halted due to lack of Villagers support. The sad part of this temple is the approach path. The path is being used as public open toilet. It was learned that the temple land is in dispute between the Villagers and the temple authorities for construction of a Community Hall. Lord Shiva only has to wake up to solve this problem.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
Since Oru kala pooja is done in this temple, opening and closing times are un predictable. The Kurukkal may be contacted before visiting the temple.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Gurukkal N Rajappan may be contacted on this mobile +91 9443621844 and +91 8144280846.
HOW TO REACH:
The temple is about 5 KM off Main Road on Salem to Villupuram High way after Chinna Salem.
13.9 KM from Kallakuruchi, 93 KM from Salem and 284 KM from Chennai.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
An 8 face Vimana with girivam, Sikaram and stupi
Ambal sannadhi
Kabotham above Koshtam
Interior view of Vimana
Old Dhakshinamurthy New
Inscription about donation of land
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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