Thiruchendur Murugan Temple – Shubramanya Sanctum
The principal sanctum of this great temple is that
of Subrahmanya. He is a lithic figure and seen in a standing posture. He faces
the East. Near to his left is the Śivalinga Jagannatha, who receives the daily
pujas along with the principal deity of Subrahmaniyam. Possibly this is the
Śivalinga worshipped by Subrahmanya, as the original nucleus of the temple was
constructed by Mayan.
Portions of the original cliff are still to be seen as
left as far as possible to form the circuit walls and pillars, and the
reinforcements of stone to support the stone superstructure of this sanctum
sanctorum. The Pambarai is a further vestige of it. It is a maze-like
circumambular corridor that runs round the sanctum sanctorum. At the extreme
end of it are to be found five Śivalingas in a group. These are not in worship
now.
The principal sanctum has all the full complement of mandapas.
The ardhamandapa is guarded by Veerabahu to the left, and Vira-Mahendra to the
right of the entrance. The Gana-Nayaka, Ganesa and Parvati, the divine Mother
are installed in this mantapa to the left. Potris officiate at this principal
shrine, and, thrice in the day Abishekams are performed to Subrahmanya.
The Moolavar is a monolithic figure with four arms and
Jadamudi, in a pooja posture facing east. At the right side of the
Moolavar statue, lies the silver Sripali and at the left side lies the golden
Sripali. At the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum, the image of Jagannathar
Lingam is carved. The Moolavar is shown worshipping this Lingam. Opposite to
the Moolavar we can see two peacocks and a Nandhi, which is the vahana of Lord
Shiva.
