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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Annamalaiyar Temple – Fourth Prakaram – Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayagar Shrine

Annamalaiyar Temple – Fourth Prakaram – Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayagar Shrine
This Vinayaka came to be known as Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayakar (the Vinayaka who got ransom of elephants). This shrine is attached to the base of the parrot tower partially. It has a garbhagriha and a bigger mandapa. In front of this stone mandapa there is an open mandapa supported by four pillars.

The adhishtana exhibits the following parts – upana, padman, kumudam, kapotam, yali, frieze, kanta and vedhi. On the sides of the garbhagriha, there are Devakoshtas. On either side of the Devakoshtas, there are kumbha panjaras. On each side there are pilasters at the corner. The vimana is a replica of the Ekambareswarar shrine. Six small steps lead upwards to the raised stone platform of the shrine. It has a small aperture and is very dark inside. The shrine is of great age and has a fascinating tale attached to it.
The legend attached to this ancient shrine is thus:-
A King from Andhra Pradesh having performed a great battle captured the region and allowed his troops to occupy the area. During the night while everyone slept, the King had a strange dream. He dreamt that an elephant of great strength charged after the troops and sent them scuttling away. When the King asked his advisors the meaning of the dream, the King was told that he had rested his troops on holy ground and the land was protected by Vinayagar, son of Lord Siva.
The King upon hearing this gifted his elephants to the Temple asking for forgiveness. It is possible that the Shrine itself was already there during this time in history when the King and his troops rested at this place.