Vallakottai Subramaniaswamy Temple – The Temple
This is
a very old temple of more than 1000 years constructed by King Bageerathan, who
was ruling Sankondpuram of Ilanji Kingdom. The temple has main Raja Gopuram of
five tiers with a big mandapam to front. The Subramaniya Swamy idol in this
temple is the tallest Lord Muruga statue in India. The temple is located
in Vallakottai, in Kanchipuram district in Tamilnadu on the road from Sriperumpudur to Singaperumalkoil. The sanctum faces east and the image of the presiding
deity is 7 ft. (2.1 m) tall in standing posture with right hand in
abhaya Muthra.
He is
also called as Kodai Andavar with a beautiful smile on his face. Sri Valli and
Devasena are seen on both sides. There are twin images of peacock, the divine
bird of Muruga, facing the presiding deity. The steps on east side lead to
Vajra Theerthakudam. Palipeeda, Dwajasthambam and Mayil vahanam are on the east
side. In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Vijaya Ganapathi, Urchava Moorthangal,
Shanmugar, Sri Devi Karumari Thiripura Sundari Amman and Peacock enclosure
are located.
The
sudhai Sirpam of 6 abodes of Lord Sri Subramaniyar is located on the Karuvarai
parapet wall. The paintings of 6 abodes of Sri Subramaniyar are located is in
the maha mandapam. The artha mandapam is fitted with Pudai sirpangal on brass
plates. There is no moorthams in koshtam. The sculptures, particularly the
bewitching standing statues of Valli and Teyvayanai, remind us of the artistic
workmanship of the Pallava era. The temple is well fortified by around 10
ft. wall.
Beautiful
sculptures on the pillars of the Ardha Mandapam (entrance hall) include the
penance of Goddess Kamakshi, similar to the frieze that can be seen in Mangadu
and a wonderful scene of Sri Rama (the seventh incarnation of Vishnu) embracing
Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman) and other traditional figures of animals and birds. The
Temple was recently renovated. People from various places visit this temple during
festival days. The temple has a tank and it is known as Vajra theertham. People
strongly believe that a holy dip in the tank with the chanting of the mantra Om
Saravanabhava would end all miseries.
