Suddha Rathneswarar Temple, Ootathur – The Temple
The original temple is believed to be built during 7th century AD and later rebuilt by Rajaraja Chola I during 10th Century AD. The Temple covers an area of about 5 acres. The gopuram and a few mandapams had been
constructed by Nayaks. The temple has a large five-tiered gopuram. The Temple
is considered to be one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalams. The temple is filled
with vintage pillars with beautiful sculptures. Few pillars even have carvings
which are suggestive. The Brahma Theertham well lies in between the main deity
and Nandhi, which is very sacred. The wooden temple car has exquisite
sculptures.
Rasi & Nakshatra Panels and Navagraha Panels:
Rasi & Nakshatra Panels and
Navagraha Panels can be found on the ceiling near flagstaff. People can perform
homams for any Doshas related to Nakshatra, Rasi and Grahas.
Mother Akilandeswari Shrine:
Mother Akilandeswari Shrine:
Mother
is called as Akilandeswari. The Goddess Akilandeswari idol is big and
found in the standing posture. The idol is located in a separate big shrine in
the outer praharam of the temple. This shrine has its own Nandi mandapa and
bali peetha. There is a small praharam around the shrine. Iccha Sakthi, Gnana
Sakthi, Kriya Sakthi, Chamundi, Brahmi and Varahi sculptures are sculpted in
the wall surrounding the shrine. Ganesha and Subramanya idols are found at the
entrance of the shrine. The shrine appears like a separate small temple; it is
also facing the east direction like the garbhagraham.
Sanctum:
Presiding
Deity is called as Sundravaneyswarar / Suddha Rathneswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Nandi can be found in the Artha Mandapam facing the sanctum. There is an another Nandi in the corner of the same mandapa facing the opposite direction.
There is
a strong belief that the river Nandi started to flow from the mouth of this
idol. There is another Nandi idol, a beautiful sculpture situated near the
Brahma Theertham. It is unusual to find a well in front of the main shrine. The
outer praharam also has a huge Nandi idol near the long dhwajastambha and bali
peeta. Sun' s rays will fall on the Lingam for three days in
the Tamil month of Masi (12, 13, 14) and for three minutes on Vaikasi Visakam
day.
Panchanadhana Nataraja:
There is a separate shrine for Nataraja and his consort
Sivakama Sundari to the left side of the sanctum. Idol of the Nataraja is made from Panchanadhanam stones. These stones have the capability to absorb sun rays. Nataraja of this Temple is believed to cure kidney related problems.
Goshta Idols:
Ganesha,
Dhakshinamoorthi, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be found in his usual location.
Kala Bhairava:
The
uniqueness of this temple is that Lord Bhairava is seen facing Gajalakshmi.
Veerabhadra:
The
Veerabhadra Swamy seen in this temple is very unique. He carries a Shiva Lingam
over his forehead.
Other Shrines:
The
inner prakara is decked with the idols of 63 Nayanmars, Kailasanathar, Brahma,
Samba Parameswara in Linga form, Saraswathi, Katyayani,
Vishwanathar-Vishalakshi, Gaja Lakshmi, Adhikara Nandi and Surya. The sub
shrines such as Somaskandar, Chandrasekhar, Murugan (Utsava), Subramanya with
his consorts and Veerabhadra are found in the same prakara. Two small shrines
for Vinayaka and Bala Murugan are found at the entrance of the maha mandapa.
The Dwarapalakas statues are big and beautiful like in any other Chola temples.
A small four pillared mandapa and the adjoining Navagraha shrine are also
located in this temple.
Inscriptions:
There
are more than sixty inscriptions in this Temple which refer to the Temple being
patronized by Rajaraja Chozha, his son Rajendra and Rajadhiraja Chozha (Rajendra
Chozha's son).
