Swarnakadeswarar Temple, Neivanai – The Temple
Thirunelvennai is an ancient and
now small temple. This temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) and Dwajasthambam
(flag post). It has a single corridor. The outer Nandhi near Bali Peedam
is facing down not like looking side. Presiding Deity is called
as Porkudam Koduthu Aruliya Nayanaar / Nelvennainathar / Vennaiappar / Swarnakadeswarar. Lord is Swayambu
Moorthy and is facing east. The Shiva lingam is about 3 – 4 feet tall.
During Maha Shivaratri day’s sunrise falls directly on
the Linga and replicate colors of blue, green, white and red respectively. This
is a rare darshan to the devotees. Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum is
seated under a Rudraksha Pandal (roof) that has 7,500 large size beads. Adhikara
Nandi is seen with both palms together here. Urchava
Deity is Arthanareeswarar. Lord Shiva, as a procession deity is in a standing
form in the middle of a trident symbolizing the oneness of Shiva and Shakti and
the Arthanareeswara form.
Nandhi the bull vehicle of
Lord Shiva is in a worshipping form spinning together its front legs, which is
explained as if Nandhi is appealing to Lord for the welfare of the
devotees. Mother is called as Neelamalarkanni / Brihannayagi. Mother is facing east. Mother Neela Malar Kanni graces
from a separate shrine on the left of Lord. She is 5 feet tall statue. Lord
Mahavishnu graces from the front Mandapam with Mother Mahalakshmi on his lap in
a worshipping form as Lord Lakshmi Narayana. Both look with closed eyes as if
in meditation.
There is a separate shrine for Lord Nataraja. There
are shrines for Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Navagrahas,
the nine planets. Lord Kasi Viswanatha, Mother Visalakshi can be seen in the prakara. The idol of Gnanasambandhar is designed
in a dancing form beautifully. Saints Appar-Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar
are nearby.
Idols of Bairavar, Suryan and Chandran can also be seen
in the corridors. Special pujas are offered to Sri Bhairava on new moon days. Vinayaka
of the temple is Lord Varasiddhi Vinayaka. Theertham of this Temple is
Pennaiyaru (River Pennai) & Theertha Kinaru. The well Theertha Kinaru is situated
in front of Ambal sanctum. Sthala Vriksham is Punnai Tree (Calophyllum
inophyllum).
