Friday, December 30, 2016

Vallakottai Subramaniaswamy Temple – The Temple

Vallakottai Subramaniaswamy Temple – The Temple
This is a very old temple of more than 1000 years constructed by King Bageerathan, who was ruling Sankondpuram of Ilanji Kingdom. The temple has main Raja Gopuram of five tiers with a big mandapam to front. The Subramaniya Swamy idol in this temple is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in India. The temple is located in Vallakottai, in Kanchipuram district in Tamilnadu on the road from Sriperumpudur to Singaperumalkoil. The sanctum faces east and the image of the presiding deity is 7 ft. (2.1 m) tall in standing posture with right hand in abhaya Muthra.








He is also called as Kodai Andavar with a beautiful smile on his face. Sri Valli and Devasena are seen on both sides. There are twin images of peacock, the divine bird of Muruga, facing the presiding deity. The steps on east side lead to Vajra Theerthakudam. Palipeeda, Dwajasthambam and Mayil vahanam are on the east side. In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Vijaya Ganapathi, Urchava Moorthangal, Shanmugar, Sri Devi Karumari Thiripura Sundari Amman and Peacock enclosure are located.








The sudhai Sirpam of 6 abodes of Lord Sri Subramaniyar is located on the Karuvarai parapet wall. The paintings of 6 abodes of Sri Subramaniyar are located is in the maha mandapam. The artha mandapam is fitted with Pudai sirpangal on brass plates. There is no moorthams in koshtam. The sculptures, particularly the bewitching standing statues of Valli and Teyvayanai, remind us of the artistic workmanship of the Pallava era. The temple is well fortified by around 10 ft. wall.  








Beautiful sculptures on the pillars of the Ardha Mandapam (entrance hall) include the penance of Goddess Kamakshi, similar to the frieze that can be seen in Mangadu and a wonderful scene of Sri Rama (the seventh incarnation of Vishnu) embracing Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman) and other traditional figures of animals and birds. The Temple was recently renovated. People from various places visit this temple during festival days. The temple has a tank and it is known as Vajra theertham. People strongly believe that a holy dip in the tank with the chanting of the mantra Om Saravanabhava would end all miseries.