Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple – Deities
Deep inside, there are five shrines, dedicated to five
gods. The principal deity is Murugan. Also called Sri Subramanyaswamy or simply
Subramanya he was the son of the divine couple, Shiva-Parvati. He has been
depicted along with his first consort Deivayanai.
The other four shrines have been dedicated to the gods Shiva,
Vinayaka, Vishnu and the goddess Durga. The latter two are placed in the
eastern chamber. In the western chamber, a lingam is placed. Lord Shiva has
been portrayed as the cosmic dancer, the Nataraja. Shiva’s consort Parvati has
been depicted as lying stretched out on Shiva’s divine cow, Nandi. Another
shrine has been dedicated to Shani, the Saturn god.
The shrines also contain many sculptures of other
deities like Ganesha, Indra, Surya (Sun god), Chandra (the moon), Naradha, Sri
Devi and Bhoodevi (earth goddess). Even an image of Brahma, the creator has
been placed, making this temple one among the few of its kind where the creator
god is actually worshipped.
Apart from these, carriages of the deities like
Murugan’s peacock, Vishnu’s Garuda, the rat of the deity Vinayaka etc. are also
carved in stone. Moreover, two ceremonial carts made of wood and a 30m long
tunnel to the south west of the flagstaff have also been discovered.
This is the temple graced by five deities, Shiva,
Pavalakanivai Perumal (Vishnu), Karpaga Vinayaka, Subramaniar and Durga. Mother
Durga is in north of the Main Tower – Rajagopuram – demon Mahishasura under her
feet. Left of Durga is Karpagavinayaka holding sugarcane sitting on a lotus
with sages around him. Right of Durga is Lord Muruga in a wedding pose with
Deivanai facing north. Narada, Indira, Brahmma, Saraswathi without her Veena
and Savithri are also here by Muruga’s side.
Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum is facing east. Sage
Madanga Maharshi is by his side. Lord Vishnu is in the place of Nandhi the bull
vehicle of Lord Shiva. Hence, the temple is known as Mal Vidai (Mal-Vishnu,
Vidai-bull) temple and this is a very rare design. It is said that Lord Vishnu
is serving his Brother-in-law.
