Tharuka Vaneswarar Temple, Thirupparaithurai – The
Temple
Paraithurai
Nathar temple is huge with an area of around five acres. This is a Mada temple
where the shrines of God and Goddess are located on a raised platform. There
are two prakaras in the temple. The temple is facing east. At the entrance of
each prakara there is a separate temple tower. The outer prakara's tower is the
main tower (Rajagopuram) which is seven tiered. Big Ganesha idols are found at
the entrance of this main tower (Rajagopuram). The temple tank and 100-pillared
mandapa are located outside the tower but within an ornamented arch entrance.
Presiding
Deity is called as Tharuka Vaneswarar / Paraithurai Nathar and Mother is called
as Hemavarnaambal / Pasumponmyilambal. Sthala Vriksham is Paraai tree. The
sanctum Santorum of Paraithurai Nathar, the shrine of Pasumpon Nayaki and a
small mandapa are all located on a raised platform (Mada Koil architectural
style). Lord graces here as a Swayambu Linga. The sanctum Santorum has a small
Shiva Linga idol. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord on 18th Purattasi
(September-October).
The
mandapa pillars have two beautiful bas-relief images of Nataraja with his one
leg raised towards the sky and the dancing Kali. At the entrance there is a
Ganesha idol. In the maha mandapa, there is a small Nandi idol facing the
sanctum. The sanctum is facing the east direction. Outside the maha mandapa,
there is a separate shrine for the Goddess facing the south direction. The
Goddess is found in the standing posture. A small Nandi idol is found facing
this shrine too. In addition, the maha mandapa has a shrine for
Nataraja-Sivakami and a collection of various bronze idols; the beautiful idol
of Bhikshatana is notable one.
The
architecture of the inner prakara depicts the antique beauty of the temple. The
prakara has raised pillared platform (thinnai) on either sides. The idols of
Sapta Mata, Pidari, Nalvar, Ganesha, 63 Nayanmars, Appu Lingam, Vayu Lingam,
Teyu Lingam, Ayyanar, Sona Lingam, Subramanya with his consorts, Vishnu,
Mahalakshmi, Bhairava, Surya, Chandra, Nava Graham, Gangala Murti and Durga. The
small shrines of Somaskanda, Ganesha, Subramanya with Valli-Devasena and Gaja
Lakshmi are also found in this prakara. The idol of Subramanya inside the
shrine is particularly very beautiful.
The
koshta idols which are found on the outer walls of the main shrine are notably
beautiful. Especially, the idol of Dhakshinamoorthi is found in a small
mandapa-like structure and looks very attractive. Lord Arthanareeswara graces
the devotees in the wall behind the sanctum sanctorum instead of Lord
Lingodhbava. The idols of Brahma and Ardhanareeswarar are also very
attractive. There are also idols of Ganesha and Durga found on the outer walls.
The Chandikeswara idol found in a small shrine as usual in the typical South
Indian Shiva temples is also beautiful in this temple.
The
outer prakara is an open space with a lot of trees. Two shrines are found here
- Kanni Vinayaka and Dhandayuthapani. The holy tree of the temple is also found
here with a small Shiva Linga idol. It is believed that this tree cures cancer
disease. The flag post, dhwajastambha and Bali peetha are also found in the
outer prakara facing the main shrine. In the Navagrahams present here, only
Lord Saneeshwara has a Vahanam, the remaining Gods don’t have Vahanams. In the
wall close to the Vimanam, it is written that five towers can be seen from that
point. As written, if we stand in that place, we can view 5 towers including
the Main Raja Gopuram.
This
shrine is mentioned as “Utthama Seevi Chathur Vedhi Mangalatthu Thirupparaai
Thurai” and the God is called as “Paraai Thurai Mahadevar” and “Paraai Thurai
Parameshwaran” in the inscriptions. Lord Vinayaka praised as Parali Vinayaka
graces outside the temple in a standing form. Lord Shiva as Bikshadana graces
in the Mandapa as a procession deity. The 12 zodiac signs are drawn on the
roof of the mandapam. Worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Bikshadana standing
under the zodiac sign would relieve the devotee of all the adverse effects
caused by planets, it is believed. Lord Bikshadana also has his
place in the prakara-corridor.
Lord
Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai grace the devotees from a shrine in
the prakara sung by Saint Arunagiriar while Lord Dhandayuthapani wearing
sandals graces from a shrine nearby. Sandeswarar Sannadhi dome is
supported by the pillars hold by lion to watch carefully. Nandhi mandapam
was built at latter state. The mandapam pillars have the sculptures of
Manickavasagar, Tirugnanasambandar, Appar and the Ve. Veera. Nagappa
Chettiyar who had done thirupani to this temple.
In days
of yore, the region was a jungle dense with Parai trees from where the
Shivalinga was found and the temple built here. Lord was named
Paraithurai Nathar. There is a Shivalinga under the Parai tree behind the
sanctum sanctorum. It is said that Lord appeared from this place. Mother
Pasumpon Mayil Ambikai and Lord Nataraja grace from their shrines in the
prakara facing south. During the Vaikasi (May-June) Brahmmotsavam,
Lord Nataraja comes in procession not accompanied by Ambica. The system
seems to be different here. The Cauvery near the temple is revered as Akanda
(wide) Cauvery. The river bifurcates at a distance of 2 kms from here as
Cauvery and Kollidam.
