Sayavanam Chayavaneswarar Temple – The Temple
The
temple occupies around 2 acre of land and a tank across the temple. Presiding
Deity is called as Chayavaneswarar / Rathina Chayavaneswarar and Mother is
called as Ambal Kuyilinum Nanmozhi Ammai, Kokilavani and Goshambaal. Moolavar
is little shorter on a square Aavudaiyar. Lord Shiva in the temple is a
swayambumurthy. Also it is here, that Lord Muruga holds the bow and the arrow
instead of his usual weapon Velayudham, readying for the war against
Soorapadman. It is also said that the idol of Lord Muruga was found in the sea
and taken from there to the temple. Muruga also wears the Veeragandamani
(anklet) in his right leg, presented by Father Lord Shiva.
The
temple of Champagi Amman, guardian deity of Poompuhar is nearby the temple. The
tank is on the south side. In the place of Kodimaram the flag post, Lord
Vinayaka is in the place. As this is a Mada type temple, Nandhi is on a higher
level. There are shrines of Sun, Indira, and Iyarpagayar Nayanar with his wife
in the outer prakara. There is also a shrine for the three Saivite saints. The devotees,
while circumambulating the prakara can also have the darshan of Lords Vinayaka,
Muruga and Kala Bhairava on a higher level and Mother Gajalakshmi and
Navagrahas.
In the
end, they reach Bats Mandapam through steps and the Palli Arai and Ambigai
shrine. The temple of Champagi Amman, guardian deity of Poompuhar is nearby the
temple. The tank is on the south side. Sthala Vriksham is Korai Tree
and Theertham is Sangumukha Theertham, Iravada Theertham. The temple is facing
east and the temple tank is in front of the east entrance. The Sannidhi for the
female deity is also located in the inner prakaram along with the main sanctum
for Lord Sayavaneswarar.
The
temple in this Sthalam is one among the six temples which are compared as
equivalent to the temple in Varanasi.
The
other 5 Shivasthalams are;
·
Thiruvenkadu
·
Mayiladuthurai
·
Tiruvaiyaru
·
Tiruvidaimarudur
·
Tiruvanchiam
