Pathanchali Nathar Temple, Kanattampuliyur – The
Temple
This is a small temple covers an area of 1 acre with
three tiered Rajagopuram and is facing east. There are two prakarams in this
temple. Presiding Deity is called as Pathanchali Nathar. Lord Shiva graces in
the form of a small Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum. Lord Shiva is a
Swayambumurthy in the temple. On the Tamil, New Year day Sun God spreads his
rays on the Lord worshiping him. An image of Bhoga Sakthi Amman also adorns the
sanctum.
Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu in place of
Lingothbavar and Brahma are the Koshta Idols in the wall surrounding the
sanctum. Mother is called as Kaanar Kuzhali / Ambujakshi / Kolavalaikkaiyal.
Mother is facing east. Saivite Saint Sundarar mentions Mother also in his
hymns. Sani Bhagwan-Saturn graces from a shrine right to Ambica’s prayed by
those facing his adverse effects.
Lord Maha Vishnu graces from ghoshta (wall around the
shrine) in standing form while Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai
is just the opposite as if paying his respect to Uncle Mahavishnu. Valli is
wearing the hanging ear ornament called Pambadam or Thandatti, an ornament
usually worn by elder women commonly seen in Tirunelveli District. Lord
Dakshinamurthy is without the banyan tree traditionally related to him.
Lord Nataraja appears with his left leg forward and the
body slightly backward which is attributed to his pleasing Sage Patanjali who
is opposite to the main shrine along with Nalvar – the celebrated Saivite
saints and authors of Thevaram and Tiruvasagam hymns. In the front hall Lord
Krishna graces between two serpents (Nagas) and a Linga among serpents. There
are no Chandran and Navagraha Sannadhi in the Temple.
Shrines for Mother, Vinayaga, Kasi Vishwanathar, Visalakshi,
Nataraja Sabha, Subramanya, Gajalakshmi can be found in the inner prakaram of
the Temple. There are idols of Sage Pathanjali, Naalvar, Saneeswaran and Suryan
in this Temple. Theerthams associated with this temple are Soorya Theertham and
River Kollidam. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) is Athi (fig) tree and white Erukku
Plant. This temple was built by Vikrama Chola, and inscriptions state that the
Imperial Cholas have made several endowments here.
