Marundeeswarar Temple,
Thirukachur – The Temple
This temple is facing towards west with a flat gateway tower (Mottai Gopuram) on the southern side. There is a four pillared mandapam can be seen in front of the gateway tower. The temple covers an area of about 1 acre (0.40 ha) and is situated on top of a hillock. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The maha mandapam can be accessed from the southern side. There is a 16 pillared mandapam connecting the maha mandapam with the gateway tower.
The pillars of this mandapam is carved with sculptures of Dvarapalas, Parvathy, Lingodbhava, Pattinathar, Vallalar, Vinayagar, Dhandapani, Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be seen on the western side, facing towards the sanctum through the window. Ganesha and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum on either side.
Presiding Deity is called as Marundeeswarar / Oushadheeshwar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Durga, Brahma, Vishnu, Dakshinamoorthy and Vinayaga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. This shrine enshrines an image of four faced Chandikeswarar with protruded teeth.
He is praised as Brahma Chandikeswarar as he has four faces similar to Lord Brahma. He is four armed. He is holding Akshamala, Kamandala, Trisula and Mazhu (battle axe). Mother is called as Irulneeki Thayar / Anthakaara Nivarani. She is housed in a separate west facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. She is in standing posture and is four armed.
There is small pit near the flag post. Devotees consume the mud from this pit for cure of any disease. Shrines of Thala Moola Vinayagar / Karukkadi Vinayagar, Murugan, Bhairavar, Suryan and Navagrahas can be seen in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this temple is called as Oushadha Theertham / Marundu Theertha Kinaru / Nadai Padhai Kinaru. It is situated on the north eastern side of this temple.
The water from this theertham is believed to have medicinal properties. The water can be drawn directly like a regular well or someone can walk down to the water level through the flight of 60 steps. Sthala Vriksham is Pala Maram (Jack fruit tree). There is a Naga Linga tree in the temple premises. Naga Idols can be seen below this tree.
