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.