Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur – The Temple
This
Temple was built by Rajasimha Pallava the king of Kanchi, in the 6th
Century CE on the vision of Poosalar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The temple is
facing east with entrance arches on the east and west side. The inner roof of
the temple is fashioned like that of a heart divided into four compartments
probably displaying Poosalaar's conception. The imposing Dwajasthambam and Nandi are situated in
the prakaram facing the sanctum.
Presiding
Deity is called as Hridayaleeswarar / Manavaleswarar and is facing east. Moolavar
is little large Lingam housed on a square Avudayar. The main sanctum has an
east facing Shivalingam with entrance from the south side. Poosalaar's statue
is found with folded hands in the shrine of Hridayaleeswarar. Lingothbhavar,
Brahma Dakshinamurthy and Durga are niche Idols located around the sanctum
wall.
Vimanam
is of Gajabrushta Style. People with an ailing heart is said to flock to this
temple for speedy recovery due to Hridayaleeswarar’s grace. Ganapathy and
Subrahmanya, the two sons of Shiva and Parvathi can be seen standing like
Dwarapalakas (sentries) on either side of the entrance to the sanctum. Mother
is called as Maragathambigai and is facing south. She is in standing posture. There
is a statue of King Rajasimha in front of the Navagraha Shrine.
There
are shrines for Vinayagar, Nava kanniyars, Mandapam and office Room in the
outer prakaram. There are shrines for Surya, Navagrahas, Pallava King Rajasimha,
Ninravur Polla Pillayar, Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Nagars, Maha Ganapathy, Utsava
Idols, Valli Devasena Subramaniyar with Nagars, Sandikeswarar, Palliyarai,
Natarajar Saba, Bairavar and Chandran in the inner prakaram. There is also a
mandapam in which Vahanam (Rishabha) for the Lord is kept for Urchavams. Sthala
Vriksham is Vilwa Tree.
