Koneswarar Temple, Kudavasal – The Temple
This is one of the 78 Maadakovils, built on an
elevation, by Ko Chenkata Chola Nayanar so that elephants cannot enter the
sanctum. This temple is also known as Konastanam. The temple has two
prakaram, and there is no Raja gopuram for the temple. Main Deity is Swayambu
Lingam known as Koneswarar / Konanathan and his consort known as Periya Nayaki
/ Bhriha Nayaki. Rays of Sun fall on the Lord for three days during Panguni
month-March-April. Theertham is known as Amrutha Theertham, seen in front of
the temple and Sthala Vriksham is Plantain.
Saint Thirugnana Sambandar had mentioned this temple in
his hymn as Ezhilkola Mada Koil – beautiful Mada temple. As Lord Shiva
granted his darshan from a high level place, it is praised as mini
Kailash. Shrine of Anumadhi Vinayakar is located at the entrance of the
temple in outer prakaram. Lord Kasi Viswanatha graces opposite the
entrance. There is a Dwajasthambam and Nandi in front. After entering the
temple, Sanctum for Periya Nayaki Amman in standing posture with Abhaya Varada
Hastham can be seen.
Opposite to the sanctum Vahana Mandapam is seen. There
is no separate Durgai in this temple; Ambal is worshiped as "Brugan
Durgai". Inside the temple, a three storey Gopuram can be seen. Shrines
of Idumban, Dhandapani and Saraswathi can be seen in this prakaram. Shrine of Murugan
with Valli and Deivanai with peacock mandapam and Maha mandapam is located to
North West corner of the prakaram. Arunagirinathar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here.
Sthala Vriksham Plantain, Jack Fruit
tree, Navagraha, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Thirunabindhu Muni, Saptha Madhas,
Nalwar, Sundarar and Paravai Nachiyar can also be seen in this prakaram. In
front of Sundarar shrine, there are steps to climb and reach the main sanctum. There
are 24 steps to reach sanctum. Natarajar is seen here. There is a Maha
Mandapam, Nandi Mandapam with pillars and Artha mandapam to cross to reach the
main sanctum of Koneswarar. The Lingam is big in size with a square Avudayar. Lord
Shiva, as a Swayambumurthy is facing west. The scar caused by the sharp nose of
Garuda the eagle is visible on the Linga. There is no Durga in the Shiva
ghoshta wall.
Maalai Vazhi Pattu Vinayaka-Vinayaka for evening worship
to whom the first puja in the evening is dedicated and also a shrine for Twin
Vinayakas can also be seen. Vinayaka of the temple is worshipped as Siddhi
Vinayaka. The Amrutha Theertham-sacred spring is outside opposite the
temple. On the bank of theertha is Vinayaka in the name of Aadhi
Gajanathar. The structure is such that the Vimana of Aadhi Gajanathar is
visible from the Lord’s shrine within the temple. On the Masi Magam day,
five deities-Panchamurthis, Lord Koneswarar, Mother Peria Nayaki, Lord
Vinayaka, Lord Muruga and Lord Chandikeswara visit the Amrutha Theertha for
Theerthavari festival.
There are two Bhairavars, one without the dog vaahana. Sun
and Moon grace the devotees in sitting and standing form respectively. Those
who had failed to perform the rituals for their ancestors pray to Sun and Moon
seeking pardon. Sage Soodha before Lord Shiva appears worshipping the
Lord. There are also shrines for four Saivite Saints, Sundarar (one among
the four saints) with Paravai Nachiyar, Mother Saraswathi without her Veena
Mother Gajalakshmi and Saptha Madhas.
