Thirumoolanathar Temple, Poovalur – The Temple
The main temple measures 130 feet width and 170 feet
length facing east and there are four prakara. The east facing temple has
three-tiered tower. The temple complex is big. The Gopura as well as the
Vimanas of various shrines and the sanctum look very attractive. From the
architectural style, we could assume that the temple belongs to the Chola
period. Presiding Deity is called as Thirumoolanathar / Gnanapureeswarar and is
facing east.
Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy. The east facing sanctum with
a beautiful vimana enshrines the moderate sized Shiva Linga called
as Moolanathar. At the entrance of the Ardha Mandapam, the small
idols of Ganesha and Subramanya are found. Nandi is found in the Maha Mandapam
and another Nandi idol is found near the flag staff. Dhwajastambha
Ganapati is a small Murti found near the flag staff.
Nardana Ganapati, Dakshina Murti, Lingodhbava, Brahma
and Durga are found as the Koshta Murtis. Dakshina Murti and Ganesh look
ancient though the other idols appear to be sculpted in the recent past. Mother
is called as Kumkuma Soundara Nayaki and is facing south. The south facing
shrine with a big front side Maha Mandapam enshrines the beautiful idol of the
Goddess Kumkuma Soundara Nayaki.
A small idol of Shanmukha with 12 arms seated on peacock
along with his two consorts in a separate shrine is found in the Maha Mandapam of
Amman shrine. Lord Muruga of this temple was sung by Saint Arunagirinathar.
Unlike the temple of Northern Tamil Nadu, Nandi is the vahana of Amman in this
temple. Hence, Nandi is found facing towards the shrine of Amman. Theertham
associated with this temple is Panguni Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Bilva Tree.
As per
the Hindu tradition, some specific temples are connected with certain
stars. This temple is associated with the Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram) star
and hence those who are born in this star offer prayers in this temple. Vaakkuvaalamman,
a small temple for the village deity of the village, is located at the entrance
of the main temple. The big prakara around the two main shrines have many
pillars with interesting sculptures.
