Samavedeeswarar Temple, Thirumangalam – The
Temple
The
temple is situated in sylvan surroundings with brooks and rivulets adjoining
it. The temple faces east and there are three prakaras around the temple. The
east facing temple has a three-tiered tower. The flag staff, bali peetha and
Nandi are found facing towards the sanctum in the courtyard. The courtyard is
actually a long mandapa with so many pillars containing sculptures. The idol of
Ganesha called as Kodimara Ganapati is installed near the flag staff.
The
idols of Adhikara Nandi with his consort in one side and Agnaya
Ganapati on the other side are found in the inner entrance. The east facing
sanctum enshrines the big Shiva Linga named as Sama
Vedeeswarar. Nandi is in Maha Mandapam faces the sanctum. In Ardha mandapam,
the idols of Ganesha and Chandikeswara are found. It is believed that Chandikeswara
got the blessing of Shiva in this place. It is unusual to find Chandikeswara in
Ardha Mandapam.
The
Koshta Murtis around the sanctum are very attractive and they appear to be of
the Chola period. Dhakshinamoorthi, Bhikshatana, Shankara Narayana, Brahma
and Durga are found as the Koshta deities. Dhakshinamoorthi’s right arm is
in abhaya mudra, which is very rare. In front of Dhakshinamoorthi, a separate
idol of a sage (Jaimini) is found seated. This is again unusual. Durga is found
resting not on Mahishasura, but on a lion.
Goddess Loka
Nayaki is housed in a separate south facing shrine near the flag staff in the
second prakaram and she is facing south. Goddess Loka Nayaki is found
in the standing posture. She has four arms. The shrine of Nataraja is
called as Aadal Vallan in this temple. It is located in the first
prakara. It is a significant shrine.
Apart
the big bronze idols of Nataraja and Sivakami, the bronze idol of Anaya
Nayanar is also found in this shrine. Anaya Nayanar is found playing a flute
with his crossed legs, similar to the posture of Venu Gopal. He is found under
a tree and is surrounded by cattle. Another unusual idol found in this shrine
is the bronze idol of Parasurama.
Near the
Nataraja’s shrine, the sub-shrine of the village deity is located. It enshrines
the Utsava idol of Kali with eight arms. The idols of Saneeswara, Vishnu Durga,
Kala Bhairava, Swarna Bhairava and Navagraha are also located nearby. The
specialty is to find Swarna Bhairava and Kala Bhairava together. Saneeswara
vahana crow has its head towards the north direction, which is unusual.
Kalyana
Subramanya shrine needs special mention. Subramanya is in the Shanmukha form
and has six heads. However, he has only four arms instead of 12 arms in this
shrine. Another unique feature is that Valli, his consort is found seated on a
peacock. Her right arm is in Varada mudra. Subramanya's another consort, Devasena
is found holding flower in her right arm. She is in the standing posture. Even
Subramanya is in the standing posture and not seated on peacock.
Shrines
of Maha Ganapati, Shiva Linga that was worshiped by Parasurama, Gaja Lakshmi, Amman
who granted Mukti to Anaya Nayanar, and Chandikeswara can be found in the
prakaram. Idols of Anaya Nayanar, Shiva Linga who granted Mukti to Nayanar
along with Nandi, Chandikeswara, Bana Linga, Appar and Sambandhar can be found
in the prakaram. The Lingam that is supposed to have given Mukthi to Anaya
Nayanar is said to be growing.
Theertham
associated with this temple are Gaya Phalguni and Parasurama Theertham. Sthala Vriksham
(Holy tree) is Jack Tree. The earliest inscription, of the fifth year
Rajakesarivarma (Rajaraja I, A.D.990) registers a gift of gold by Karuvur
kandali, apattakila (headsman) of Nagapattinam. An inscription dated to 15th
year (A.D.1000) records a gift of land by Sembiyan Mahadevi. The temple was
therefore built before A.D.990.
