Sathyanatha
Swamy Temple, Thirukalimedu – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards west with a three tiered Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is about 50 feet tall. The temple covers an area of 22,500 sq. ft. (2,090 m2) and has two prakarams. The temple precinct is surrounded by granite walls. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found in front of Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. The neck of Nandi is slightly turned towards south. There is a gated entrance before Nandi.
The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Sathyanatha Swamy / Sathyanatheswarar / Satyaviratheswarar / Tirukaleeswarar / Karaivananathar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Lingam is of slightly pink in colour.
It is believed that sesame oil offered during ablutions is absorbed by the Shivalingam. Idols of Dwara Ganapathy and Subramanya can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Generally, Lord Dakshinamurthy appears with four disciples (Sanaka, Sanantana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara.
The Lord is different in this temple with seven disciples granting all wisdom and knowledge to devotees. Reliefs of Buddha can be seen on pedestal of Dakshinamoorthy. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. As in other temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine of Parvathi as it is believed that Kamakshi of Kanchipuram Kamakshi Temple is the common Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples. However, the festival image of Brahmarambigai is housed in the sanctum facing south.
Though a procession deity, all pujas performed to Lord are equally offered to Ambika. On festival days, Mother is not taken out from the sanctum in procession. There is south facing Nataraja Sabha in the inner prakaram. Nataraja Sabha houses bronze idols of Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is shrine for Utsava idols of Somaskanthar, Pradosha Nayagar, Chandikeswarar, Chandrasekarar and Naalvar in the inner prakaram.
There are shrines for Bhairavar, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Nalvar, Indra, Budhan, Gajalakshmi, Neelakanda Sivachariyar, Thirumalavan with his consort Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi & Bhoodevi in the inner prakaram. There are shrines for Navagrahas, Budhan and Saneeswarar in the outer prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Karai plant. Theerthams associated with this temple are Indira Theertham and Satyavradha Theertham. It is believed that one who has a holy dip in temple tank and worships the God here would be endowed with the best benefits.
