Rajarajeswaramudaiya Mahadevar Temple, Sivapuram
– The Temple
This temple is built of stone. The Eka Thala Vimanam
of the temple contains Boodha Ganas and Elephants. The deities have been carved
exquisitely. There is no tower (gopura) or flag staff in this temple. Nandi and
bali peetha are found facing the sanctum. There are Garpagriha, Asthiranam,
Arthamandapam and Mukhamandapam in this temple. The Dwarapalakas of the temple
depict the wonderful sculptural art of the Cholas.
Presiding Deity is called as Rajarajeswaramudaiya Mahadevar / Theerthapaleeswarar. This main deity, small Shiva Linga appears to be
later addition. The Pancha Koshta (niche) idols, Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthi,
Lingodhbava, Brahma and Durga are very beautiful sculptures. Chandikeswara is
found in his usual place. Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. The Goddess is
found in the Maha mandapam of the sanctum.
There is a sub-shrine of Ganesha found in this
temple. The walls of the temple are full of inscriptions. The temple has the inscriptions
of Rajaraja Chozhan and Rajendra Chozhan. The inscriptions speak about Canal
dug from Coovum to the temple, an idol was given by King Rajaraja to this
temple and descriptions of Thirupalli and many more. The name of the place
was then called Oragadam.
