Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi – The Temple

Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi – The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. A Deepa Sthamba can be seen in front of the entrance of the temple as seen in the Kongu region temples. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style of architecture. It is classified as Kokkudi Koil, a temple built in a place surrounding flower garden. As per the inscriptions, the temple was surrounded by Kokkudi, a type of flower plant. The temple covers an area of about one acre and completely enclosed within a compound wall. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dwaja Sthambam can be seen in front of the mukha mandapam facing towards the sanctum.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam, maha mandapam and 16 pillared mukha mandapam. Dvarapalas namely Dandi and Mundi can be seen at the entrance of the maha mandapam on either sides. There are three sculptures at the entrance of the sanctum on the right side. One of the sculpture represents Lord Shiva as Veduvan (Hunter) and other two sculptures represents Sundarar in sadness (after Sundarar lost his gifts given by  Cheraman Peruman with a sorrow in his face) and joyful mood (after Sundarar got back his gifts with a smile).

Presiding deity is called as Thirumuruganathaswamy / Muruganatheswarar / Avudai Nayagar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). It is said that the Lingam was originally of sand when Muruga worshipped it and it got washed away by the floods in Agnima Tirtham which flowed as a river by its side long ago. A stone lingam is said to have sprung on its own in its place.

Sthala Puranam of Avinashi and journey of Cheraman Perumal & Sundarar to Kailash can be seen on the prastara instead of traditional bhootaganas. The vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. Durga, Brahma, Lingothbhava, Dakshinamurthy and Vinayagar are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma in worshipping posture can be seen on either sides of Lord Lingodbhava in the koshta behind the sanctum.

Thus, devotees can have the darshan of Hindu Trinity (Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma) in one place. This darshan is considered to be very auspicious. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Aalinga Bhooshana Sthanambigai / Muyangupoon Mulaiyammai / Aavudai Nayagi / Mangalambigai. She is housed in a separate west facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There is a south facing shrine for Lord Murugan in the maha mandapam towards the right side of the sanctum.

It is said that when Lord Murugan came to worship his father Lord Shiva, he left his weapon Vel and his mount peacock outside the temple. Hence, he is seen without his weapon Vel and his mount peacock in the shrine. He is flanked by his consorts Valli & Devasena. His idol is made of single stone and has six faces. The sixth face is on the back side of the idol. The idol is about 5 feet tall. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this shrine in his revered Thirupugazh.

There is a hall of Nataraja in the outer prakaram called Adalvallan Sabha where the Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the Brahma Tandava dance. Idol of Kala Bhairavar can be seen in the north eastern corner of the inner prakaram. The idol is facing towards south. He is eight armed and called as Ashta Bhujanga Bhairavar. His mount, dog can be seen behind him. He holds Sula, kapala, damaru, vajra, sword, naga, club and shield.

Shrines & Idols of Raja Ganapathy, Niruthi Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Pancha Bhootha Lingams, Neelandi, Suryan, Bhavaneeswarar and 63 Nayanmars can be seen in the temple premises. The place where the gifts and golds Sundarar were kept, called as Pon Maraithu Vaitha Idam is situated in the outer prakaram. Theerthams associated with this temple are Subramanya Theertham / Shanmuga Theertham, Gnana Theertham and Brahma Theertham. 

Gnana Theertham and Brahma Theertham are situated outside the temple. Subramanya Theertham is situated on the southern side of the prakaram. There is a huge stucco Nandi situated on the side of this theertham. This Nandi and the theertham are connected by a flight of steps to draw water from the well for bathing the mental illness patient and for abhishekam to deities. Sthala Vrikshams are Kurukkathi and Vilwam.