Thirumeni Azhagar Temple, Mahendrapalli – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram facing towards the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. The Maha Mandapam is designed to look like the forehead of a bat (Vovval Nethi Mandapam). Presiding Deity is called as Thirumeni Azhagar / Somasundareswarar.
He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested). The rays of sun fall on the lingam for seven days during the month of Panguni (March-April). Dakshinamoorthy is the only koshta idol located on the southern side of the sanctum wall. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. He graces the devotees in his shrine along with his consort.
Mother is called as Vadivambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum in maha mandapam. Nataraja Sabha can be found in the ardha mandapam. It has an entrance facing towards south. Nataraja is accompanied by his consort Shivagami and Manickavasagar. It is said that the idol of Nataraja of this temple was unearthed from a nearby place called Theevu Kottai.
There is a shrine for Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. There are shrines of Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi & Bhoodevi, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Suryan and Chandran in the prakaram.
There is a separate shrine for Vinayaka with Ragu and Ketu on both sides. There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple. Theertham associated with this Temple is Mahendra Theertham (Brahma Theertham). It is situated in front of the temple. There are 3 Sthala Vrikshams in this temple namely Kandamaram, Vilvam and Thazhai (cone pine).
