Palasavanathar Temple, Naalur – The Temple
This is a Mada Type Temple. The Temple is facing east
with an entrance without Gopuram. There is spacious outer prakaram and then
devotees have to climb up nine steps to reach the Mada Temple. After climbing
the stairs, Front Mandapam can be accessed from the southern prakaram.
Balipeedam and Nandhi are found facing the sanctum in the front mandapam.
After crossing front mandapam, Mukhamandapam can be
reached. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the
Mukhamandapam. After crossing Mukhamandapam, Arthamandapam can be reached. At
the end of Arthamandapam, Sanctum housing Lord Shiva can be reached. Presiding
Deity is called as Sambareesvarathu Mahadevar / Sambareesvarathu Perumanadigal
as per the inscriptions available in the Temple.
Presently Lord is called as
Palasavanathar / Swayambu Nathar / Gnanaprathar / Brahma Muktheeswarar /
Amirthakalasa Nathar. Lord is Swayambu Moorthy. Finger Prints can be seen
on the Lingam. Lingam is housed in square Avudaiyar. The vimana, the roof
over the sanctum is Gajabrushta (Thoongayanai Madam) in design (like that of an
elephant's seated posture).
Chandikeswarar is found in in his usual location. It is
believed that the Lord Shiva was worshiped by Suryan. Even today, Sun rays
falls on Lord Shiva on 3rd, 4th and 5th day of Chithirai Month. Mother is called as Periya Nayagi / Brihan Nayagi. She
is facing south. Mother is housed in separate shrine located in northern
prakaram. Shrine of Vinayaga can be found on the south-western side of the
prakaram. Sthala Theertham is Chandra Theertham.
Inscriptions:
An inscription belonging to the 38th regnal
year of Parantaka (945 AD) was found on a door at the entrance to the sanctum
of the Palasavanathar temple. It records the gift of 92 sheep by Nakkan Adittan,
a merchant from Mukkarai, to light a perpetual lamp at the temple of
Sambarisvaram (the ancient name for the temple) every day with one ‘uzhakku'
(measure) of ghee. The sheep were handed over to temple shepherds, who
undertook the responsibility of measuring the ghee every day.
