Vilvaranyeswarar Temple, Thirukollampudhur – The
Temple
The east facing temple has a 75 feet tall 5 tier
Rajagopuram and two prakaras. According to epigraphic evidences, the
temple could have been built during the reigns Kulothunga III or Rajaraja III. The
Temple is also called a Gnanasambandhar Temple (Nambar Koil).
Presiding Deity is called as Vilvaranyeswarar / Vilva Nathar. Lord Shiva
blesses devotees as a Swayambu Murthy in the temple. Mother is called as Soundaranayagi
/ Azhakunachiyar. In first praharam, shrines for Vinayagar and Subramanyar are
seen.
In the second praharam you can see Brahma Theertham,
Mahalakshmi shrine, Sambandar in coracle sculpture; Inside the premises are
Nalvar, Valampuri Vinayagar, Somaskandar, Gajamugatheswarar, Mullaivananathar,
Katchinatar, Paathaleswarar, Gajalakshmi, Mahalingar, Poyyadha Vinayaka,
Gangaiamman, Dhakshinamoorthy, Saraswathi, Panchalingams, Visalakshi, Arumuga
Swamy, Adhi Viswanatha, Mahalakshmi, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Sani Bhagavan and
Suryan Shrines are there.
Narthana Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar,
Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Moorthys. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam and
Theerthams associated with this temple are Brahma Theertham, Agasthiyar
Theertham, Kandiba Theertham and Vettaru. Stucco images for Vrishabarudar,
Vinayagar and Subramaniyar can be seen in the front side of Rajagopuram.
Stucco images of 12 Rasis can be seen in the roof of
Ambal Mandapam. There are Urchavar Idols for Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Brahma
Chandrasekharar, Lingothbavar and Durgai in this temple. One should not miss
the beautiful eyes of the Rishaba vahanam here.
