Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple, Thirukoodalaiyathoor – The
Temple
The temple has a three-tiered gateway tower and all the
shrines of the temple are enclosed in concentric rectangular granite walls. The
temple occupies an area of around 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) with one prakaram. This
is a reconstructed temple after it was washed away by the flood from
Manimutharu. There is no flag post in this temple. The central shrine houses
the image of Nerikkattunayakar /
Narthana Vallabeswarar in the form of Lingam. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthy
(self-manifested).
During the first three days in the Tamil month of
Chithirai (April-May), sun rays fall directly on the Shivalingam and special poojas
are conducted on these three days. Moolavar Vimanam is of two tiers.
Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Ashta Buja Durgai are Koshta Idols
surrounding the sanctum. Rarely two Ambica shrines are seen in some Shiva
temples against one generally seen.
Mother is called as Purikuzhalambika / Gnana Shakti / Ishta Sakthi and Parasakthi. Gnana
Sakthi’s shrine is in the outer corridor and the Parasakthi’s shrine is next to
Lord Shiva. Another distinguishing feature of this temple is that the
sacred ash (Vibhuthi) is given in Sri Parashakti Ambal Shrine while the
Kumkumam is given in Gnana shakti Ambal shrine. Kumkum is offered as prasad in
the former shrine and Vibhuti in the latter. It is believed that worshipping
Ambicas will take the devotee to excellence in education.
The central shrine is approached through the flagstaff
and Mahamandapam, both which are located axial to the gateway. As in other
Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, the shrines of Vinayaka, Murugan, Navagraha, Chandikeswara and Durga are located around the precinct of the main
shrine. There is a shrine of Chitragupta, the accountant of Yama located in the temple. Chitra Gupta’s procession
idol can be seen here holding writing materials in his hands.
There is no shrine for Navagrahas but one for Sani
Baghwan respected as Pongu Sani meaning prosperity giver Sani. Those
undergoing the seven and half year Saturn period are advised to pray the planet
and Adhikara Nandhi during the Pradosha time – 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. each
day-to reduce the intensity of Saturn aspects. There is a separate shrine for
Sage Agasthiar in the outer compound wall of the temple.
Theertham associated with this temple is Brahma, Agasthya,
Vellaaru, Manimutharu, Sangama and Kathyayana Theerthams. Sthala Vriksham is Kallala
Maram (Banyan tree). Shrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeswara, Viswanatha
Lingam, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Gnana Sakthi, Lord Chandeswara, Goddess
Parasakthi, Lord Saneeswara can be found in the inner prakaram of the Temple.
In the outer corridor, there is a separate shrine where
granite idols (as opposed to the usual metal idols) of Lord Natarajar and
Goddess Sivakami can be seen. The last Consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam)
took place on 08.02.2015. Prior to this, the consecration ceremony was held on
29.08.1961.
