Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Elavanasur Kottai – The
Temple
This is a large temple with 150 feet high 6-tiered
Rajagopuram and 5 Praharams. The Temple has been located on 4 feet high Peedam.
There is a Nootru Kaal Mandapam located between the Rajagopuram and Sanctum. This
Temple is perhaps the one of the huge "Maadakovils”, (built on a
raised platform) of Villupuram district. There are 18 steps to reach the
sanctum located on the elevation.
Presiding Deity is called as Ardhanareeswarar and is
facing west. He is also known as Urbhagangondaruliya Mahadevar /
Urbhagangondaruliya Thambiranar / Urbhagangondaruliya Nayanar Sigara Sigamani
Nathar / Gramardhanathesvarar / Amarabuyanga Thevar. The Lingam is a Suyambhu
(Self Manifested).
Lord has three Nandhis in front of him, all facing the
opposite direction i.e. West Direction. Naalvar is also present in Peedam in
the sanctum. The Maha Mandapam has many interesting sculptures in dance
postures. Also, there is an Ayyappan sculpture in one of the pillars near
sanctum. Hence this temple is quite famous with Ayyappan Devotees. Devotees
throng this Temple during Margazhi Month.
There is an Alankara Mandapam which has sculptures of
Lord Shiva Play (Tiruvilayadal). Mother is called as Thiru Palliyarai
Nambiraatiyar / Bhrihannayaki / Periya Nayaki and is facing east. There are
four Durga Shrines on all four directions within the temple complex. Amman
shrine is situated on the south west side of sanctum.
There are shrines of Dhandapani, Swayambu Linga housed
on square Avudaiyar, Naalvar, Maha Ganapathy, Vallabha Ganapathy, Athmalingam,
Somaskanda, Murugan, Agasthya Lingam, Rana Lingeswarar, Kasi Viswanathar,
Visalakshi and Natarajar in the Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Jack Fruit
Tree.
