Ukthavedeeswarar Temple,
Kuthalam – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards west with five tiered Rajagopuram. The temple is enclosed within the compound walls and has two prakarams. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the rajagopuram. Kodimara Vinayagar can be seen in the Dhwaja Sthambam. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the entrance of the maha mandapa.
Presiding Deity is called as Ukthavedeeswarar / Sonnavaaru Arivaar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Lingam is about 5 feet tall with Avudaiyar facing the left side. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested). Stucco images depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvathy can be seen on the back side of the sanctum. Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava with Brahma & Vishnu on both sides, Agastya, Ardhanareeswarar, Nataraja, Bikshadana, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. There are two shrines for Mother Parvathy in this temple. Mother is called as Mukizhambikai / Amirthamukizhambigai / Vanamulai Nayaki / Arumpanna Valamulaiyal / Imruthamukulakujambigai. She is housed in a separate shrine. Her shrine looks like a separate temple facing towards south with three tiered rajagopuram. Her shrine is situated immediately after the rajagopuram on the left side of the Nandi. The shrine consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam and mukha mandapam.
There is another smaller shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvathy in the outer prakaram. She is called as Parimala Sugandha Nayaki. Shrines & Idols of Thunaivantha Vinayagar, Valanchuzhi Vinayagar, Arumugar with his consorts Valli & Devasena sitting on his mount peacock, Murugan, Nataraja, Saptharishis, 63 Nayanmars, Nalvars, Pancha Lingas, Viswanathar, Navagrahas, Mangala Saneeswarar, Nagas, Maha Lakshmi, Bhairavar and Suryan can be seen in the temple premises.
Theerthams associated with this temple are Thamarai Theertham / Sundara Theertham / Padma Theertham and Cauvery River. Sthala Vriksham is Uthala Maram. It is a variety of Athi Tree. It can be found immediately after the rajagopuram on the right side of the Dhwaja Sthambam. A pair of padukas can be seen on the platform below the tree and is under worship. It is said that Lord Shiva left the padukas as a testimony for the Lord Shiva’s betrothal with Goddess Parvathi.
