Brihadeeswarar Temple – Ganesha Shrine
This small shrine is dedicated to the elephant headed,
big bellied God - Ganesa or Ganapathy or Vighneswara, son of God Siva &
Parvathi.
He is considered as remover of obstacle. If he is not
invoked/worshiped at the beginning of any event he will stand as an obstacle
but if he is given due respect he will not only remove obstacles but guard us
throughout the event.
On the south western corner there is the shrine of
Ganapati, dating from the time of the Maratha ruler, Serfoji II. It houses a
large sculpture of Ganapati and has a wealth of Marathi inscriptions on the
steps leading to the shrine.
Behind this shrine, a hundred and eight Lingas are
installed in a part of the circumambulatory corridor. It is said that the Serfoji
II brought these Lingas from a village called Veerasingampettai and had them
reconsecrated in the new premises in 1801.
Seven images of Ganapati are said to have been set up by
Rajaraja Chola, 2 in the dancing posture, 3 seated comfortably, and the remaining
2 standing.