Veezhinathar Temple, Thiruveezhimizhalai – The Temple
This temple with 3 prakarams covers an area of 4 acres
and its entrance is crowned with a 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The Nandi mandapam
here is of great beauty. The Rajagopuram and the Vinnizhi Vimanam of the
sanctum are of great significance here. The Vowalottimandapam (100 pillared
hall) has beautiful pillars and images. Appar and Sambandar are said to have
established their mutts at Veezhi Mizhalai. Inscriptions from as early as
the period of Parantaka I (early 10th century) are found here.
Presiding Deity is called as Veezhinathar / Veezhiazhageeswarar
/ Netrarpaneswarar. Mother is called as Brihadsundarakuchambika / Azhagiyavanmulaiammai
/ Kathyayani. Sthala Vriksham is Veezhi and Theerthams of this temple are Damodara
Theertham and Vishnu Theertham. Vinayagar is called as Padikkasu Vinayagar
in this temple. Palipeedams are located in east and west of temple. Sanctum
Vimanam is supported by 16 lions. There are no Koshta Idols.
This temple is under the administration of the
Tiruvavaduturai Adheenam. This is a huge fortress like temple with huge temple
tank and there are so many special things to see. It is also a “Mada kovil”,
i.e., the floor level of the path to the sanctum goes up in steps. The entrance
pillars resemble a Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall) with vaazhaimaram (banana
trees).
The idol of Swami with Ambal is very special in human
form (apart from the Lingam) with a height of about 15 feet and is known as “Mappilai
Swamy” as they are present as a newly married couple. The inner Gopuram had the
shape of a chariot with Shiva seated and Indra driving the chariot resembling
the Groom’s arrival. A Padala Nandhi is also there.
There is also a Shiva Linga near the flag post called
(Dwajasthambam). There are also bat sculptures on the walls in the hall
where many celebrate their 61st birth day. This temple is also known as
"Marriage Sthala". The temple is little more than 2000 years old and
the Papaya tree in the temple is more than a hundred years old.
